Summary

In Chapter 34, Clay's first instinct is to run away, but Glory says that will make them seem guilty. They face five dragonets, all smaller than Clay. Clay and the smallest had briefly locked eyes in the village. The smallest, Umber, now asks if they know what happened to the blood-red egg. The biggest of the group introduces himself as Reed, and introduces Sora, Pheasant, and Marsh. Reed asks if either Clay or Glory is “our missing sib” (225). Clay realizes he means sibling. Reed and the others decide Clay is their nestmate. Pheasant points out that Clay's size identifies him as “our bigwings,” meaning leader. Reed currently holds that position for the group.

Realizing Clay knows nothing about MudWing life, they explain. The dragonets that hatch together form a unit without any interference from the parents. The first to hatch – always the largest...