‘Not a big deal,’ said Fishbone, wrinkling his nose. ‘Us kittimews is being invited as well. But we has the decency to refuse. We is much happier in the caves. There is not as many juicy rats where you humies live.’

‘Does that mean I won’t see you again?’ Liska asked.

‘Of course not!’ Fishbone reached up and took one of the rings from his ear. It was a silver hoop with a bright blue bead of lapis on it. He handed it to Liska with a bow. ‘This is token that marks you as honoured guest of kittimew. When you visit our patches, some mew will spot you and bring you to my palace. And you must promise to visit lots.’

Liska laughed. ‘I promise,’ she said. ‘And you are welcome at the Noon Fort any time as well.’

Fishbone bowed again. ‘I will come. As long as there is rat for dinner.’

‘And what about you, Elowen?’ Liska asked. ‘Or should I call you Lady Dawnsoul?’

Elowen gave one of her smiles. ‘Just Elowen, if you please,’ she said. ‘My news is that my entire family have awoken! The death of Bitterblight disturbed their slumber. Now they are all going to attend the ceremony together!’

‘Ceremony?’ Liska wondered what she was talking about.

‘A ceremony for you!’ Lug shouted. ‘And guess what you’re going to get?’

Liska stared, speechless. She hardly dared think it. A stripe? It seemed like a lifetime ago when that had been her dream. Half the reason she wanted to go on a crazy mission to find Nammu’s heart in the first place.

‘It’s in two days,’ said Elowen, patting her arm. ‘We’d better let you rest. The best mages in the city are caring for you and they won’t be pleased if we get you too excited.’

But there wasn’t much chance of resting once word got out that she was awake. Her mother and father were by her side soon after, bringing her a set of new leather armour. They spent a long time telling her how proud they were of her and how brave she had been. Liska soaked it in, knowing that it would be a long time before she was called a child again. Even Ylva treated her with new respect, offering to take her cloak and have it spruced, groomed and freshened with a dose of tree oil so that it sparkled with magic. They were going to be at the ceremony too. Along with all the other shapewalkers.

‘I can’t wait to see the look on the manticores’ faces,’ said her mother as she left. Liska thought she’d never seen her so happy.