The marcher's didn't stray from the castle. They camped outside of the doors, the Clarinets singing songs of encouragement through the night to their fearless leader. Inside, Reid sat in a cold, steel room, with a window carved out of a massive tower's roof. He watched the stars look back at him, sitting with his elbows on his knees and head dropped between them. Quietly, he smiled, listening to the familiar songs muffled by the walls. Suddenly the door opened but he didn't scramble to his feet. A shadow moved across the small floor, hesitating to stay. "Who is it?" Reid asked softly.
"Just me," Sal replied, stepping under the sky light. "I didn't know it was so dark in here." Sal rubbed his hands, not sure of what to do. Finally, he sat next to his best friend, looking up at the sky. "You don't know how sorry I am, Reid," he bursted. Reid nodded, sighing deeply.
"What are they saying?"
"Substantial evidence, blah blah…all three of us are fighting hard for you, buddy." Reid smiled, a defeated grin, but still genuine. "The Great Ones just can't get over the fact…I mean, your uniform…" Reid almost laughed, but stood and turned dramatically.
"Trill said she'd fix it for me two days ago!" Sal slowly rose and followed as Reid paced. "They know me; why don't they just let me go home."
"Your parents don't know yet."
"Good," Reid scoffed. "Poor Mother wouldn't know what to do."
"You're fans plan on staying up all night for you." Reid smiled slightly, leaning against the icy wall. Sal produced a small note. "From the guys outside. I snuck it in for you." Reid took it.
"Thanks, Kee." Sal smiled and disappeared past the door.
Gliss passed the bowl around the circle, everyone taking a dip with their brass or wooden cup. They were quiet, whispering, not wanting to interrupt the Clarinets' songs. They had the smoothest voices. Clare wasn't quite sure of the words yet, but she and Woody hummed along the sweet melody. Cornett even played along with his trumpet. Jazz was the quietest of all. Q and Tap were keeping an eye on the far mountains. Suddenly, Quad jumped to his feet and the song stopped. Over the hill, figures moved in the night. It was nothing. "Continue," Tap ordered, not looking back to the fire. "It's nothing." Bell started again, and Flutelings joined in. This time, Tru and Val harmonized with their leader, and Mellody stopped to wipe her eyes. Hunter quietly took her under his arm and watched the fire.
"Don't worry," he said quietly. "They won't get back. They're not that stupid."
"Tomorrow we go into battle," Bonette whispered to Gliss. "Will we go without Reid?"
"The trial's tomorrow morning; he'll be out by the afternoon," he replied, sipping soup. "You want some?" She shook her head, smiling nervously back. Q poked Gliss in his side and playfully took the cup.
"Hey, I'm always hungry." They shared a brief laugh. Cornett stopped, lowering his horn. They quickly hushed.