The descent took over an hour, at least, so by the time we touched down on the edge of the Parade at the base of the mountain, most of the moons had set and the first suns were starting to light the horizon. Zinnia pulled two heavy black robes from an alcove at the bottom, slipping her hood down over her face. I copied her, my bare feet slapping on the smooth grounds of the Parade. She skirted the edge, taking us into the city as soon as the perimeter gave way and permitted us to leave the ...