“Perfect name. He’s quick and intelligent. A Sandseed breed, I believe.” He patted the horse’s neck.

“Don’t you want to know why?”

“I’m afraid of the answer.” His flippant response lacked conviction.

“You should be.”

“Come on, get it over with. You’re dying to tell me—I can see in your eyes. You want revenge for my mock attack.”

“I’m not that vindictive.”

“Now you’re scaring me.”

“Good. Because Moonlight was going to be a gift to Commander Ambrose of Ixia. Our relationship with Ixia has improved thanks to Liaison Yelena, and the Sitian Council wanted to make a gesture of goodwill.”

All color faded from Ulrick’s cheeks. “I’m in…”

“Deep shit?”

“Yes.”

Ulrick failed to follow my suggestion to return the horse as soon as possible. He insisted on accompanying us to Booruby. Leif’s cold shoulder toward Ulrick melted when he apologized. Also, Ulrick’s ability to make travel rations flavorful won him Leif’s good approval.

After traveling all day, we stopped and made camp along the road.

“We made such a racket last night,” Leif said, “it’s best we avoid the shelters.”

Cornstalk stubble lined the harvested field and worked well as kindling. We sat around the campfire and talked about sisters. Ulrick had two, one older and one younger than him. I grew up with two older sisters, and Leif had Yelena, who was kidnapped when she was six years old and returned home five years ago after a fourteen-year absence.

“She made up for the lost time,” Leif said. “We blew through all those years of sibling rivalry in two seasons.” He laughed. “Probably a good thing she wasn’t with me when I was growing up. I never would have lived to see age twenty. Since she’s been back, I’ve been bait to an amorous necklace snake, kept under house arrest in the Commander’s castle, squeezed through a tunnel too small for me and paralyzed with Curare! And do you know what the kicker is?”

“She’s still dragging you along on missions and endangering your life?” I guessed.

“That, too. But she’s the one who gets all the attention. I was at the Warper Battle and helped defeat the Daviian Vermin, but does anyone remember that? No! They remember Yelena diving into the fire, sacrificing herself to defeat the Fire Warper.”

“You have to admit, that was pretty big,” Ulrick said.

Leif grumbled halfheartedly. “Well, I have a scar.” He showed us a four-inch healed slash along his forearm.

“We know the significant role you played in the battle,” I said. “Don’t forget you’ve already caught one person’s attention and admiration. And she’s a hard one to impress.”

“True.” Leif beamed. “Only three more days until I see her again.”

Ulrick ahhed in understanding as he made the connection. “Mara.”

I waited for his jealousy or for a longing and wistful look. My sister had not only been gifted with beauty, but she was a sweetheart, too. Kindness, concern for others and intelligence, she had it all.

His demeanor remained pleasant. “Lucky man. Every guy in Booruby has a crush on her.”

“Including you?” I asked, unable to stop myself.

“I was in school with her, but she had no interest in any of us.” He considered. “I probably did have a crush for her back then, but not now.” Ulrick watched me.

“Good,” Leif said into the lengthening silence. “Cause I’d hate to sic my sister on you. She’s a better fighter than me.”

We laughed.

“And I bet she lets you know it, too,” Ulrick said. Then his smile faded. “My younger sister crafts magnificent sculptures from glass. Sitian Councillors were commissioning pieces from Gressa before she was fifteen. She has her own shop in Moon Clan lands now. But it was hard to be proud of her when she flaunted it every chance she got. Especially when my own pieces fell far short of our mother’s expectations.”

“I understand that feeling. My glass animals looked crude in comparison to my sister Tula’s. She had a finer hand.”

“But look at you now.” Ulrick gestured. “Tula’s animals might be sought by collectors, and Mara sought for her beauty, but you’re a famous glass magician. Your name is said after Yelena’s when people discuss the Warper Battle, no offense, Leif.”

“None taken,” Leif said.

“Opal, your animals provide a service to all of Sitia. You’re important.” Ulrick raked a hand through his hair. “When my younger sister was born, she was the baby of the family. Everyone doted on her and I was ignored unless I managed to annoy one of my siblings or my parents.” His lips formed a rueful smile. “At least I was good at being a pest.”

I rubbed my neck, thinking of his surprise attack. “You’re still good,” I teased.

He cried out in mock indignation and pushed me gently on the shoulder.

“Don’t knock the power of a pest,” Leif said. “Persistence and stubbornness can be useful in many situations.”

“Opal, why didn’t you send me a message? Two guests! What will I feed them?”

“Mother,” I said, trying to suppress my irritation. We had just arrived from five days on the road and I was saddle sore and tired. “You always have enough food to feed half of Booruby. They don’t need any special meals.”