tasks of woodcutting," Sevetson corrected. "This is one of the basic tasks of this level of technology. It is a skill that can earn you money, more if you parlay it into skill in charcoal making. Next week you will be familiarized with other skills. Eventually you will be complete and if you have performed well enough at one of the skills, the supervisors may consider taking you on as an apprentice. You are not 'right back where you started.' "
Earnon's only answer was a glare, so the supervisor shrugged.
"If there are no more questions, go down to the apprentice hall, draw your chits and then you are free to spend your time as you wish."
With that he strode off in the general direction of the apprentice hall and the rest followed.
In front of the hall under a wooden awning tables had been set up. Inside the hall, which was more of an elaborate log cabin, Herzer could see Jody, bandage on one hand, doggedly arguing with someone.
Earnon, Nergui and a few others from the other groups had pushed their way to the front so Herzer, Mike and Courtney hung back. When Earnon got his chits and counted them he let out a howl.
"I only got one chit for my work! I worked my tail off!"
The young woman parceling out the pay referred to her list again and shrugged.
"That's what it says," she replied.
"How