The warning cups sounded before sunrise, their notes slow and separated rather than frantic. By the time Nova reached the middle kitchen, workers were carrying breakfast upstairs. Mist clouded the windows.
Cal was there with an empty carrying frame over one shoulder. He looked at Nova's coat as Lunaris pushed his head through the collar.
"Does he ever walk?" Cal asked.
"Whenever he thinks I'm going somewhere he shouldn't."
"Then he's cleverer than half the people who visit the gorge. Eat something. The quiet current won't last all morning."
Nova ate a bowl of grain and checked his palm. Closing his hand still hurt, and his shoulder remained sore. Neither injury was serious, but he knew better than to ignore them during a climb.
The Auri studied droplets running down the window in opposite directions, its grey-stained wing folded. At the gate, Nell inspected the warning cups, then handed Cal a token with three blue grooves.
