The season's endless path turns on its endless round. Spring, summer, winter, fall; all follow one another in succession. At times it seems to rush along like a great, flowing river; others it seems like a slow, meandering stream. The Rats of the Valley are, as ever, hard at work; planting, harvesting, planning, teaching, learning; though all find time for relaxation, recreation and, most importantly, reflection. As you walk the path into the valley, a small mouse greets you.

"Welcome to Thorn Valley," Timothy says. "I'm glad you came."