Sol landed on the giant crystal plaza before the palace without making the slightest sound. His air-manipulation shield muffled the beat of his wings, and the crystal floor glowed softly beneath his golden claws like the surface of a lake welcoming an old guest. Hundreds of palace guards, servants, and citizens who happened to be passing the plaza all stopped in their tracks. Some dropped what they were carrying. A dwarf child held in his father's arms pointed at the sky with wide eyes and cried out, "The golden dragon! The golden dragon from the statue!"
Sylvia leapt down from Sol's back with her black dress fluttering gently, landing lightly on the crystal floor. She took off the wide-brimmed hat she had worn since Quiet Bay and held it in her hand. Her loose black hair fell over her shoulders, reflecting the light of the crystal lanterns lined along the palace stairs.
