The Riverline was a warm little place, built close to the earth, and with its red tin roof and sturdy clapboard siding looked like it could withstand, and had withstood, just about anything. As evening approached, even though it was the dead of the Austral summer, a fine fire roared in the enclosed Pyrex and tile fireplace. It would’ve done any Nordic winter proud. Outside, flocks of clouds clustered ominously threatening more rain high above the mountains.