Agbi, wrote Jumi, addressing her as “big sister.” I want to visit but Iyaya and N’baba won’t let me. By the way, I have been flying with Ofa every day since you are not here to stop me. I am sure he likes me more than you now. He will not want to fly with you once you come back. Ha! Ofa is mine!

To Yenni’s surprise, instead of irritating her, Jumi’s teasing helped relieve the aching tension between her eyes, and left her with a sharp longing for home. She gathered up her letters and took them to her writing desk, where she took out a sheet of heavy paper and a pencil and began her letter back. She wrote to her mother.

Iyaya, she began. She wanted to keep the letter informal, a daughter pleading to her mother. You are right, I was quite scared to see that your rune had faded, and your news of a threat to our Islands alarms me. Please take care, both you and N’baba. If there is anything you can tell me, anything at all, please let me know. Perhaps there is something I can learn here that will help. The Sha are not done with me yet.

Tell Dayo not to be too concerned for my safety. I have met

She paused. Now would be the time to mention Weysh, but how could she even begin to explain him to them, when she wasn’t even sure what he was to her?

I have met a dragon and we are Given, and we will eventually marry.

No, no, they would not take kindly to that at all.

I have met the world’s only Island dragon, and we must rethink my engagement to Natahi ka Gunzu. It may be more prudent to align ourselves with dragonkind.

Too mercenary, and they had been working to build relations with the Gunzu for far too long to simply switch alliances for something unknown.

I have met the world’s only Island dragon, and we are bonded as Given. I believe this may be the reason I was compelled to undertake Orire N’jem.

But then what of her father’s illness?

Not one of those statements felt right. Yenni grunted in frustration—clearly she wasn’t yet ready to tell her family about him.

I have met strong friends here, dragons. And as always I am able to protect myself. I learn more about Creshen magic and battle every day. Tell Ifeh and Jayeh I look forward to their feast, and tell Jumi that no matter how much he flies with Ofa, my field sphinx will never forget me.

Yenni sighed and scanned her letters again. There was a folded note on cream-colored paper she hadn’t noticed in her haste. She flicked it open.

Lovely,

Meet me in the library, our usual table under the split birch tree. I have a surprise for you.

Weysh