Kayla sputtered to a halt once inside the bunker and spat out the sadness that made it through her mask.

  "Did anyone get a look at that ship's colors?" she asked immediately but noticed no one was around. Xander rushed out of the comms booth "I sent everyone back already," he explained. "I know we should be training but obviously this changes the schedule."

  "But did anyone see the colors?" Kayla repeated.

  "Not from here, no, but those ships looked pretty well maintained; definitely mainlanders. Now hurry up, you're behind.

  Kayla put away her gear quickly and rushed to the main foyer only to put back on her protective wear. To a Bel Dais of the Shaking Reef, it was no time before she was equipped and out the bunker door. Xee was the only one who wouldn't need to scramble back home, so Kayla decided to seal the hatch once outside. The winds were soft enough that she could still see the trails left by her friends, and not far off were silhouettes marking the sand.

As she joined the others, they all looked towards the horizon in hopes of seeing the ship. Eventually, as they neared Home the ocean came into view and with it the visage of the grand ship as it approached the port. Its mass easily dwarfed that of anything else docked below, even this far away. The crew all made sounds of awe at the beauty of the galleon.

  "That's a big boat," Marcus pointed out helpfully.

  "Who could it be?" wondered Clara.

  "I'm sure Dad will know," assured Kayla, and they continued to hurry down the dune and through the gates of the town.

  The buildings of Home were sandstone, and most were built less than a hundred years ago due to the wear of the sands and the frequent quakes that gave the Shaking Reefs their name. Most of the townspeople had gathered at the docks, so it was easy to navigate there through the empty streets. Kayla, Marcus, and Clara arrived finally to join the crowd of linen-wrapped spectators. They craned their necks to get a look over the hundreds gathered until Marcus pointed out Kayla's father walking down the docks, escorting the Elder alongside two guards carrying curved blades on their hips. Kayla ducked under the arms and legs of the watching crowd and began to crawl towards the seaside, with Clara following suit. Marcus instead tried to courteously push forward, being too large to crawl. Kayla ignored the protestations of her behavior and rolled out and onto her feet, only to have a hand grab him by her shawl and pull her away from the shoreline.

  "Hey! Let go!"

  "Not happening, K."

  Kayla looked up to see a guard she remembered being named Xalius.

  "But my father-"

  "Is busy. Just watch like everyone else." His hand shot out and grabbed Clara when she appeared between the legs of spectators.

  "And where's the third?" Xalius mused. On cue, Marcus came near, heralded by sounds of his apologies and requests to be let by. When he saw Xalius and his iron grip on Kayla and Clara, he stopped and put up his hands in surrender.

  Coward, Kayla thought.

  Finally, the galleon docked and a plank was placed connecting the boardwalk with the portside. Up close now, Kayla could see the flag colors being those she didn't recognize, but the flag beneath held a royal crest of some kind. What does some royal type want?

  The Leader waited at the end of the gangplank to meet whoever came off the ship. The beast was so large no one could see any activity on deck until a dozen men in blue-enameled armor and matching, silvery full capes. They silently filed down the plank and moved to either side. After they flanked the plank, another group of individuals appeared at the top. The first was an armored man in similar garb to the guards but he was holding his helmet, revealing blond hair, a squared jaw, and a scarred face. Next was an older man in deep blue robes who held onto a young woman's arm. This woman was nearly obscured by white robes and a thin veil that flowed down from an ornamental hairpiece to her feet. Finally, a very cocky-looking young man waltzed after them, dressed in blue-hued leathers, his hair tied in a fancy knot. Kayla noticed all the people had similarly tied hair. From where they stood, no one could hear the Leader welcome the newcomers, or what was said in return. Kayla's father was, as always, stoic and silent.

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  Xalius made the mistake of loosening his grip, which Kayla took advantage of and dashed forward. He whisper-shouted for her to stop but of course, she didn't listen. The blue guards closest drew their weapons and turned to face Kayla, which stopped her in her tracks. She sputtered, losing all confidence in the face of the well-polished swords they brandished.

  "Wait, wait," called Kayla's father, coming over. "That's my daughter. Kayla, what are you doing?"

  A friendly chuckle came from the old man. "She was probably just curious. I'm sure all your people are.'

  Kayla looked at him in surprise. Did he speak Bel Dais?

  The old man looked to the Leader, who was wrapped up in his gold-trimmed linens. An ornate clasp around his shawl. "Shall we address your people now? They must be dying from suspense!" the old man chuckled. Kayla noticed his eyes crinkle as he did. Xee had said that people who fake laugh don't crinkle their eyes. The Leader agreed and motioned for the old man and his entourage to follow. Kayla's father gave her a look that cleared any hope that this was over with and that her scolding would come before taking her hand and following after. The blue guards were the last to follow.

  "Good people!" called the Leader to the assembled crowd, "Our visitor is the great Duke Gregory and his children, who have come to spectate this year's race!"

  Mutterings greeted this news, people turning to each other and whispering. It was very strange to see the deep blue of the Duke and his company against the see of sun-bleached linens.

  "I am aware my sudden visit is strange. From what I understand, the Shaking Reefs do not see many mainlanders. I hope to learn much about your culture while I am here."

  And with that, he was led away by the Leader, still leaning on the young woman whom Kayla assumed was his other child. The young man strutted after, and surrounding them was the blue guardsmen. Kayla's father looked down at his daughter with mixed emotions.

  "Kayla, I clearly need to deal with this whole thing, so do me a favor and tell your mom to scold you for me, okay?"

  "Of course, dad. I will request the worst scolding of my life."

  Her father rolled his eyes and with a slight smile, he hurried away on the tail of the procession. Kayla did not envy his position. Even though he was not the Leader of the Bel Dais he was in charge of the fishing village we called Home. More crewmen came down the plank to secure the boat, and while the idea of watching them go about this task was intriguing, Kayla hurried after the much more interesting party. Xalius gave a scolding look as I rushed by. Cara and Marcus joined the hunt, though many people were tailing the group with curiosity. They eventually came to the town hall, which was sealed and guarded by two of the blue knights. Being the mayor's daughter, I knew to climb up the neighboring building's chimney. On the roof, the three hopped over to a ledge just large enough to stand on and in through a window. Quietly, they clambered onto the rafters to look down at the meeting.