“But our ceremonies in Athenia are ten times more formal, and take days,” Alkibiades said. “And we have to do our examinations right there and then, with everyone watching, not quietly in advance the way you do. So think yourself lucky.”

I laughed. “If I wanted to live in Athenia or the City of Amazons I’d go there. I belong here.” Being away had made me realize how much I loved my city, every pillar, every word of the Workers’ dialogues carved into the marble flagstones, every patch of flowers in front of the sleeping houses.

When we came into the square in front of the Temple of Zeus and Hera, the two Archons were waiting on the steps between the two great statues of the gods that flanked the temple. The altar stood behind them, smoke rising from the sacrifice. The square was packed with all the envoys, and with people who had just showed up, and for all I knew some crazy oath-enthusiasts who went to every single ceremony for everyone. I noticed Ikaros and Aristomache with Sixty-One, standing together, engaged in dialogue. Maia went over to join them. All our family and friends faded back into the crowd, leaving the three of us who were candidates standing together in the center. One of the Archons made a welcoming speech, talking about the significance of citizenship and Plato and the city. I wasn’t listening properly. I was nervous. I felt it was hard to draw enough breath. I straightened my wreath, which was slipping into my eyes. The other Archon made a very similar speech, about the importance of young people and the significance of the community, and how the city was open to all and we had never turned anyone away—aimed at the visitors, I suppose. Then finally they got to it.