

The three lost control of the Muddlets as they ran on their own. Despite Tom's directions, Lief didn't listen to him and went the wrong way. Muddlets had three legs and can be ridden much like a horse. They also bought three animals called Muddlets. They find and enter Tom's shop and buy useful provisions such as Fire Beads, Water Eaters, Glowing Bubbles, and Instant Bread. With the help of Filli, the three managed to kill all the children except for one, Ichabod, and continue on their quest. They then find themselves in a trap that Thaegan's remaining eleven children had prepared. While traveling, they find signs which all have the word "Tom" written on it. They are now searching for the opal, which is located in Hira, or the City of the Rats. Lief, Barda, and Jasmine leave the Lake of Tears after they have retrieved the Ruby.
