“I’m not saying you’re wrong,” says Cole nervously, “I’m just saying you have to remember what we’re doing here. The revolution’s about more than one girl.”

“The revolution is nothing without her.” Figaro’s eyes are burning, but his voice is steady. “Leave if you think it’s the right thing to do, but I’m going after her.”

Cole glances back at Machinetown, steaming like the breath of the mountain. “Life to the daring, fate to the coin,” he mumbles, and tightens his pistol belt.

At the mouth of the cave, the little white bear waits, the antenna on its head beeping patiently.