Chapter 42: Missing In Action
The descent took over an hour, at least, so by the time we touched down on the edge of the Parade at the base of the
mountain, most of the moons had set and the first suns were starting to light the horizon. Zinnia pulled two heavy black
robes from an alcove at the bottom, slipping her hood down over her face. I copied her, my bare feet slapping on the
smooth grounds of the Parade. She skirted the edge, taking us into the city as soon as the perimeter gave way and
permitted us to leave the wide expanse at the base of the mountain.
I usually took a transport to Theridialis's tower, though I'd ridden one of the public transit system trains with my
sister in the past. I assumed we would do so now, only to raise my eyebrows at the small and dented, but fully intact,
transport hull Zinnia uncovered behind a large panel at the back of a non-descript building.
"If it's all right with you," Zinnia said, settling into the tiny shell, "I'll fly."