Anilitak, understanding finally, listened for Shrill in the crowd, but she hadn't the aural memory to recognize Shrill's voice amid so many foreign ones. Anilitak was invisible to the crowd because she remained silent; the Crown was invisible because he spoke with the voice of another.

Wind resumed his casual conversation, though even Anilitak could hear the stress underneath. “I have something I want you to give to your friends when you hear them.” She felt his hands removing her arms from around his waist. “A little something from my friend to yours.”

Anilitak wanted to protest, but she pressed her lips together. If she spoke now, the Crown might hear. She tried to retake her place, but Wind wrenched her arm painfully, and she struggled not to moan. “It's fragile, so be careful with it.”

“You give them your gift yourself,” Silencia said bluntly. Anilitak stood between them, Wind's hands on her back, Silencia somewhere just in front of her.

“I have to—never mind.” Wind pushed Anilitak into Silencia, and the woman, who was rather large, took a step back at the impact, steadied Anilitak, and called out: “Churner!” His footsteps were already lost in the din. “The man is going to get himself killed,” Silencia muttered blackly. “It's time to go.”

Anilitak resisted Silencia's pull and tried to follow Wind. She didn't know what she would do or how she would find him, but she needed to stop him. She was convinced he was about to do something--

She heard his voice, loud and boisterous, greeting Shrill. The exact words were were lost in the crowd, but she heard Shrill answer and Wind speak again.

Silencia jerked Anilitak close. “Last chance. Coming?”

A cry of surprise broke through the roar of conversation. Shouts followed, and a whole section of the room filled with angry words, screams, and shrieks, as if a fight had started.

Anilitak let Silencia lead her away, but as soon as the sounds dimmed in the corridor, she spoke out. “We have to go back!”

“No.”

“He killed a man.” It was the only way Anilitak knew how to explain. “He isn't himself.”

Silencia slowed a bit at this. “Keep quiet. He's trying to keep you safe.”

“But--”

With a sudden burst of speed, Silencia left the rope, dragging Anilitak with her. Silencia flung her from the rear to her front with her powerful arms, slamming Anilitak into rock. Hands pinned her there. She could feel Silencia's breath on her face. “You are not the only one who cares for him,” she whispered fiercely. “But he gave you to me, and I'll keep you safe, even if I have to cut out your tongue. Fool!” Did she mean Wind or Anilitak? “Come on. There's somewhere nearby.”

She pulled Anilitak forward so quickly, Anilitak thought her arms might come out of their sockets.

She could still hear the sounds of riot from the Meal Room.