"What do you have in mind?"
"I suggest that we take the battle to our friend. We have let him set the pace for too long."
"You mean Sopo, don't you?" Alexandra shook her head. "I don't wish to have you fall asleep for a hundred years."
"I do not wish to lose you for a hundred years either, but do you see another alternative?" When he saw Alexandra about to protest he added, "We need something dramatic to catch his attention."
"We will leave in the morning for the borders of Sopo." Alexandra took a deep breath.
"I think it would be a good idea for there to be a fuss about our plans when we leave."
"The louder, the better," said Alexandra. "There were some swans on the river yesterday. We had better send a message to Princess Avi."
The next day the whole school was roused by a loud argument at the gates to the school courtyard.
"I tell you, I forbid it. It is vainglorious foolishness to try to enter Sopo!"