What’s he doing here, her secret friend? And then it hits me, and I can’t believe I didn’t realise before. It all clicks into place. So Marina is carrying a Travester baby and is running off with a Fonecian … my mind boggles. If I’d known when we were at the depot, I wouldn’t have been as friendly. I feel like punching him.

But that won’t do. Anyway, Nanna is watching us. So I hold out my hand.

The Fonecian shakes, nearly crushing my hand. “I, too, have a sister,” he says, “back in Karis.”

“And?” I’m still bristling, even though he’s likeable.

He shrugs, his eyes on Marina. “So perhaps I understand your feelings.”

“Ydra is going to get us out of the city,” Marina says. Her eyes are bright and it’s good to see her looking so happy.

“You’re going together?” I ask, although I already know the answer.

“Yes,” the Fonecian says simply, his dark skin gleaming.

“We’re leaving at dawn,” she says, impulsively giving me a hug. “You’ll take care of yourself, won’t you, Leho?”

“Course,” I tell her gruffly. Then another thought hits home. “You’re going by airship, aren’t you?” I ask intently. It would be the obvious way for a Fonecian.

Ydra barks a short laugh. “The less you know the better,” he says without malice.

For some reason that makes me furious again and I glare at my sister. “How do you know it’s safe?” I mutter, not caring if I’m being rude.

Marina rolls her eyes. “Come on,” she says, “Jorzy’s already given us the third degree.”

The Fonecian gives a little cough of agreement, or embarrassment. Jorzy, busy playing away, the viola tucked under his chin, meets my eye and shrugs helplessly, as if to say, Once Marina has made up her mind, what can you do?

“Well, it is a bit of a surprise,” I add sarcastically.

My sister elbows me in the ribs. “Don’t be like that. We’re going to start a new life. Be happy for me!”

The Fonecian’s gaze bores into me. “I will take care of your sister,” he says fiercely.

Suddenly I’m ashamed to have been so rude. I can see now that this man is to be trusted. The music from the viola is swelling into something bright and funny. Therei and a lanky boy from upstairs start dancing, kicking up their heels. Others join them, and everybody looks so happy. It’s a party! But Marina going away is hardly a happy occasion, and who knows when we’ll see her again – if ever. Somehow I’m not in the mood to celebrate.

I give Marina’s arm a squeeze. “Make sure you come back,” I tell her.

She smiles gently. “Don’t worry, Leho. I will.”

* * *