He reached for the Black Dragon balloon hat, and both Caden and Rose exchanged a look. Wally plonked it on his head with much squeaking.

“What’s with the hat, Wally?” Rose’s eyebrow rose higher.

“It is the wisdom hat,” Wally harrumphed, clearly aware that she was about to attack his dignity in some way.

“It’s a balloon--”

“Wisdom hat!” Wally interrupted with a monumental clearing of his throat. “In any case, do you want to hear what I know or don’t you?”

“We want to know, Wally. And quickly, as the crowd is getting restless out there. There aren’t many more mechanical soldiers to watch pass by.” Caden pointed over his shoulder at the door.

“Fair enough! Well, I know what makes Mei tick,” Wally told them.

“Really?” Rose’s arms crossed over her chest. She looked as much amused as dubious. “Do you know her personally?”

“No, but I know how she got her Spirit,” Wally said, a superior smile on his face as he tipped his head back. The balloon hat fell off and he nearly toppled from the stool trying to catch it.

Both Caden and Rose grinned at each other. But they quickly hid those grins when Wally scowled at them as he put the hat on again.

“Go on, Wally,” Caden urged.

“Now, how a person gets their Spirit says a lot about them,” Wally explained.

“Really?” Rose sounded wry. “Because it seems thetypeof Shifter you are means more to most people.”

Wally waved a hand through the air. “That’s prejudice, pure and simple. I’m betting how you got your Spirit was heroic.”

Rose’s eyes widened. She blushed and ducked her head. Caden smiled knowingly.

“It was,” Caden said.

Wally nodded. “Not surprised.”

“But… okay, so it was a little heroic, but I’m a Swarm Shifter!” she cried as if betrayed by the act.

“Being a Swarm Shifter doesn’t make you bad, Rose. It is how you use your gift,” Wally said gently. “You know this.”

“Yeah, but…” She shook herself. “Go on with Mei’s story.”

“She was the daughter of the equivalent of a mayor in her village. Her father was wise and kind. He took care of his people, and was known as someone who would give second chances,” Wally explained.

“Sounds like a great guy,” Caden said.

“Yes, and Mei loved him more than life.” Wally looked as if he were seeing this past.

“So he died? Terribly? Someone betrayed him?” Rose guessed.

“Rose!” Caden waved at her.

But Wally smiled sadly. “Yes, of course, they did.”

“Bandits? A rival for the leader of the village?” Rose guessed some more.

“Can you let himtellthe story, Rose?” Caden asked.

She sniffed. “Fine, but I bet I can guess--”

“It was Mei’s fiancee,” Wally interrupted.