“Okay, I think. All the kids are staying home for now. Let’s hope this is some good news,” I say, inclining my head toward the front of the Tower where Shirene and Sentinels Renna and Carrick have just walked in.

Vera leans in. “I heard the sky in the east was gray when the sun came up,” she says. “Gray like smoke.”

“What does that mean?” I ask.

“Not sure,” she says. “But I don’t think it’s good. Who’s that?”

A pair of figures dressed in pale blue come in and take their places alongside the sentinels. Their attire is so simple, yet they stand with our most respected leaders. Both wear capes split in two, trailing down their backs and onto the floor. Almost like …

“They must be sea-folk,” I reply. “I’ve never seen them on land.”

“Each of the other kingdoms has representatives here. I’ve met Lord Cambor of the horselords once,” Vera says, nodding her agreement. “He came to watch a training. But I’ve never seen the sea-folk.”

The chime sounds, and we kneel. For a brief moment, I forget why my view of the sentinels is so much better this time. Nearly a third of the warriors are gone.

“Honored warriors,” Shirene says. “With our numbers depleted, we must shift our tactics in case the humans try to attack Vyrinterra by sea before the teams return. The other kingdoms have agreed to ready their defenses at the coast and send additional metals for us to forge extra weapons. As warriors and warriors-elect, you already are asked to be ready at all times to fight. Starting today, each of you is asked to remain in the Warriors’ Hall unless on official duties, as to eliminate any delays if you are called to arms. No one should be leaving the Hall unless given permission.”

Sentinel Renna steps forward. Her gray-blue eyes sweep over the room like a winter storm. “I know the warriors-elect are eager to take the oath.”

I suck in a hopeful breath. Is it just me, or did Shirene’s eyes seek me out as Renna spoke? Did she speak out for us? For me?

“However, as you can imagine,” Sentinel Renna goes on, “the king’s days are long, and he doesn’t have room in them to speak the oath over each of you.” Sentinel Renna lets the disappointed murmurs make their way through the room before continuing. “For now, our focus must be on the sick children and keeping the disease from spreading. You will each be assigned a section of the city to inspect for more signs of infected birds. The scholars say even a touch can spread the disease.”