The day was over, the results not released. Every Bandopian had passed in front of the tower, playing their piece, and every Shadow had done the same. Harp worried the most about the other side, wanting to visit the fallen terribly. Any marcher battling death was in need of help. Five hundred Bandopians surrounded the house of Corkson and Bellanne, their son Reid trying to keep things in order. Cornett grew more and more tired, and as Gliss lead the Trombones and Baritones in continuing to try and repair his horn, the day seemed to fly by faster. "Uncle Reid," Clare whispered. "Is he going to be all right?" They had separated from the group, everyone wanting a word from the hero. Reid placed his loosened hands on the shoulders of his young sidekick and sighed.
"Cornett knows his horn better than himself. The closer you are to it, the closer the pain is." Clare's eyes gushed full.
"Reid, he can't die. Not Cornett—not Cornett, no…" Reid scowled and tried to stop her from crying. Cornett had already heard her and tried to glance over his friends' shoulders, as best be could. Liggy slowly came to his bedside, holding a mug of soup. Cornett's attention immediately fixated on her, her shy smile making his pale cheeks find color again.
"From Jazz," Liggy offered with it. "He had some business to take care of, but he sends his regards." Cornett took it, hand brushing hers, and she winced; it was ice cold. "Cornett, you need another blanket." She nervously reached for one underneath Reid's bed. Cornett caught her arm gently, and it sent chills through her although his right palm was warm.
"Don't bother. Tell me what happened outside." Liggy smiled and explained all of the great things, Cornett not listening a bit, but watching her. Reid could glance over and tell that he was 'getting tired', as he told them, and the hundreds slowly headed for their camps. As the last left, Reid closed the door behind him, promising he would bring more of Jazz's soup. The sunset hours ago, and the moonlight spread across the bedspread as Liggy continued with the last of the Tubas.
"Sou was fantastic, Cornett," she giggled. "You should have heard her scales---marvelous." Cornett hadn't stopped beaming from the first Fluteling, but he yawned, struggling to stay awake with her. Mellody's horse pulled to a stop near the window, and Hunter waited outside of the door.
"How's he doing?" Mellody asked nervously, barely standing upright. Hunter took her side, making sure she was able. Reid brewed the last of the outside kettle, lining up cups for those wishing to stay the night.
"He's talking, which says the Gliss is working magic over there." Hunter sighed, nearly knocking over his partner.
"He always does. I just know Cornett is going to pull out of this."
"We need him, as always. Those Shadows will want to challenge again every chance they get," Mellody predicted. Reid glanced down. Hunter jabbed her in the side, throwing a glare. "Reid, I…I didn't mean…"
"Never you mind," Reid replied, not looking up. "I needed a break."
"No you didn't," Hunter corrected. "Someone lied for you." The night's silence broke as a rustling rushed through the trees. The three and random others turned as Eufo fell on his knees before them.
"Reid…Hunter…" he gasped. "Hunter…Jazz…They've got Jazz…He confessed!"