Bekka of Thorns — Steve Shilstone

On the world of Boad, Bekka and Karro of Thorns, a pair of young hedge-dwellers, dare to leave the tunnels and bowers of home to seek adventure in the Woeful Wanderers' Wasteland and uncover the lost city of Rumin -- a strange choice for members of their clan, who stick close to the hedge and fear open spaces. Karro is known throughout the hedge as a silly clown. Bekka, ever watchful, never chatty, is called Silent Bekka by all. Misfits among their own kind, Bekka and Karro are bonded as dearest friends. Together they speculate about the identity of their parents, a piece of knowledge kept hidden from all hedge-dwellers. Bekka is determined to find the lost underground city of Rumin and to meet her share of mythical creatures, but she is afraid to go alone. She talks Karro into accompanying her, and the two step outside the hedge for the first time in their lives. They have no idea that their journey through the Woeful Wanderers' Wasteland will uncover a wonderful secret much closer to home.