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Because it is Sixthday there is no afternoon training I ith the others but plead a headache and retreat toin the hot pool because I cannot bear their chatter I dress in s, tie my Fives slippers just below my knees like I used to do when I sneaked out of the house, and wrap h Kalliarkos wants me to be ready in case I have to cliown they issuedthe other clothes The ordinary garb of Commoner women makes me inconspicuous

When I hear Gira, Shorty, and Mis leaving at dusk I hurry after so everyone else seesbetter! Which play did you choose? Can I cohter," says Mis with a laugh "Co to reach the West Gate of the Lantern District

Beneath the flowing ribbons I halt "Listen Will you meet me here later?"

Mis presses a hand over her eyes as if to hide whatever folly I’aron is a hard er in front ofto romance his nephew, no matter what his nephew says"

"How could I be ht, doesn’t it?"

Gira frowns "That’s right They do Where are you going, then?"

Amaya has a look we sisters call her sad kitten eyes I try it out now "I can’t say Please"

They look at one another After a ood end to the night’s business, but points to the big brass water clock with its ticking gears, elaborate catchate "We will be here when the fourth night-trumpet blows If you’re not here, then you’re on your own"

"Thank you! If you have to go back without me, say I vanished into the crowd and you lost track of me It is Sevensday tomorroay It is our free day, isn’t it?"

"It is our free day, and you don’t have to be in until dawn on Firstday," says Gira curtly, but I can see she is revising her opinion ofwhat kind of troublemaker I will turn out to be "I don’t like to be the kind of person who gives advice, Jes, but whatever it is, I think you shouldn’t do it"

"Who ever listened to good advice? I never did!" Mis’s laugh is drowned out by a blast of singing that washes over us froroup of revelers arm past, already drunk

Gira seeain but Shorty pulls her away I wait as they walk under the ribbon wheels When I ah the lively streets, past the nightfoods, and along the Avenue of Triumphs where my father was cheered That day seeo

Halfway down the Avenue of Triumphs stand monumental twin pillars carved with the victorious deeds of theKliatemnos the Fourth and his wise and benevolent ent for him when he was a child The side streets of this district are aith taverns that cater to Patron ht the place is swar with soldiers I did not realize there were soa dreary account of the battle of Reef Cliffs, where as an adult Kliatemnos the Fourth died with a knife in his back just as his ar of East Saro

Kalliarkos wanted to meet here instead of outside the Lantern District because we’re less likely to be recognized and because it will not look strange for a young wo , four different foreign men crudely proposition me, and an unknownA drunk Soldian actually tries to touch h to wind hiic to hborn Patronwhite ribbons, that you feel you can accostabout arrogantthe traffic, and adh the wagons, carts, foot traffic, and fine carriages Rigged for speed, it is just large enough to seat a driver and two passengers, although the passenger bench is empty The driver wears a sand scarf wrapped around his ear worn by a traveler in the desert He pulls down the scarf, looking forthat I stare and stare as he almost drives past Then I remember to push out of the crowd