Jyx’s excitement was contagious. Mina found herself grinning back at her. The Ten-Year Festival was celebrated with magnificent displays by the storm guardians and beasts, showcasing the best of the best commanding the weather—​

Every ten years? That was how often the bad storms came, the outsiders had said.

«You don’t think there’s a connection between . . .»

Of course not.

The Alorrian government would never let the celebrations proceed if they were dangerous to anyone, even people outside the borders. It was a harmless display. And it was rumored to be just as amazing as Jyx said. Gaton remembered the last one and talked about it all the time. The sky would light up with colors, and snow and rain would dance—​dance!—​across the land as if to music. Day would become night, and night would become day, and the clouds would be formed in the shapes of animals that chased one another. So many miracles! It was supposed to remind Alorrians of how lucky they were and to encourage the next crop of children to volunteer for eggs.

Of course it had nothing to do with the outsiders’ storms. Storms were a natural occurrence. It was only that the outsiders didn’t have their own storm beasts to prevent them. “When do we leave?” Mina asked.

“That’s the best part! We go tomorrow! Forget that stupid essay and pack!”

Promising herself she’d finish her work later, Mina packed alongside Jyx.

Jyx chattered about the things she knew they’d see and the things she hoped they’d see. To listen to her, you’d think the city was the most marvelous place ever invented, where anything and everything was possible. And maybe that’s true, Mina thought. She remembered the glimpses of it she’d seen from the river ship, and she couldn’t wait to see more.

When she finished packing, she pulled out her sketchbook. She was too excited to sleep yet. She drew pictures of the city as she remembered it until it was lights out.

Caught up in her own thoughts, Jyx was quiet too. It was nice lying there in the darkness, knowing Jyx was feeling the same way, sharing a wordless excitement.

Neither of them slept much, though Chauda snored enough for all of them. But at morning bell, both Mina and Jyx sprang out of bed. They washed and dressed quickly and were down in the school entrance hall before the last bell rang, joined by Pixit. He flapped his bandaged wing at Mina. «One more week, they said—​then I can fly again!»

Good news. But stop flapping it. Today we’ll sail.