When dawn broke Crinte was standing on the rooftop of his father’s home. They had talked late into the night but despite the early hour, the others were preparing to leave. Crinte watched the Mount as light began to gently touch its peak, encouraging life to shine forth. He found himself surprisingly frustrated when in reality he’d thought speaking with the wisest Cron he knew—who also happened to be his father—would confirm his plan was right. Mystified at the unsettling feelings, he hoped it was only anxiety regarding the task at hand. Besides, the Mounts were odd and secretive, their eyes were always watching. To the east the sky was blazing with life and suddenly the air filled with the chatter and beating of wings as a thousand birds flew over his head. Crinte watched them calmly but his heartbeat was already...

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