As the Queen's airship descended, Revin found himself in the #umbra as it obscured the sun. Revin shivered, but then Momo emerged from the ramp. She walked to him directly.
"Well done, my hero," she said with a nod.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he said, bowing deeply.
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"Your Excellency!" Cordwin said, saluting. "We control the capital and the #south of the island. Should we pursue them?"
"No," Revin said. "It would be futile. And once order is restored, I believe most of them will soon want to return to the comforts of civilization."
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Revin noticed #light coming in through the broken windows. Messengers had scurried in all night with notes as the capital was subjugated. He heard the crunch of glass underfoot, looked up, & saw Grip.
"If you don't go get some sleep," he said. "I'll call Emma and Dexy."
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While Revin walked to the Executive Building, he noticed particles—#ash—falling from the sky.
"They must have started fires in the warehouses," he said to Grip. "Go back to Vallon's & get guards to help stop the revanchists."
"Yes, Your Excellency," he said, saluting.
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"Where are you taking him?" Revin's mother asked.
"He'll stand for assaulting a girl," Revin replied. He saw Emma in his mind's eye, face twisted with terror. "And attempted murder."
Her face went white, "Can't you save him?"
"To pardon is not in my #ambit," Revin said.
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David stood near a street artist while he waited for the girls after practice.
"I been lookin'," the man said. "But I just ain't found my #muse. Know what I'm sayin'?"
The Better Angels flooded out the door & ran to David squealing with delight.
"I have eight," he said.
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"By the mark, wheleven!" said a drunk, stumbling.
The Better Angels crowded around David, holding his shirt.
"Don't mind him," David said.
"By the mark, #whelve!" he said & then fell. The girls sprang forward & lowered him gently.
Zaza patted him & said, "Sweet dreams."
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"So our money is gone?" Zaza asked, in tears.
"I'm afraid so," David said. "It sounds like it was some kind of #grift."
"But he said his pony was in trouble & only we could save it!"
David sighed.
Then the Better Angels began to cheer as a man walked up leading a pony.
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"Come, come!" Lord Vallon said. "Let's not #quibble over details! Ale for everyone! First round's on the house!"
The girls returned to work. The horses were picketted in the park. The guards & soldiers followed. The ale flowed. And the Airship was more packed than ever.
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The Better Angels took a break after a busy morning.
"David!" said one. "Help me with my shoe!"
"David!" said another. "Where's the water bottle."
Finally, he went to sit down when they sprang to their feet, refreshed, & headed off.
"Don't #dilly-dally, David!" Zaza said.
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