Summary

In Chapter 1, a 12-year-old girl named Yue is supposed to be looking after her younger sister, Vae. Vae's friend Ven is tagging along. Ven, the narrator, admits that he remembers being an observer rather than a participant throughout most of his childhood. Yue is distracted by her inkstone – a digital reading tablet. She loves stories about teen heroes and “the power of love.” Though Yue and Vae love each other, they are often at odds, typical of sisters at their ages. They pass through the town of Tinics in the Province of Lyvodia. Then, they pass the temple that stands at the river. Ven talks about the blessings “intoned” by the Medj who are the holy officials. Vae rushes through every activity. She does not necessarily listen to Yue's instruction. Ven knows about the history – the people who fought while seas rose and...