I stand agape for a few moments before determination sets in, and I urge Maximus further toward the tower. I still can’t make out the words escaping her lips, but the diapason is enough to put a thrush to shame. We’re nearly to the edge of the tower as she takes note of my presence. I rake a hand through my thick brown hair and 昀氀ash a smile up at her. My handsome features are one of the few qualities I inherited from my father. People tend to trust me more easily because of them, so I have learned to use them to my advantage. I think I see a wisp of a smile tickle her lips, but before I can con昀椀rm, she disappears into the shadow of the tower. “Oh, beautiful maiden, never have I heard a voice as sweet as yours. Might I come hither so as to listen to you properly?” No response. I begin to circle the stone base in search of an entrance. Nothing but 昀椀rm gray rock. Impossible. How could such a creature end up in a tower so tall with no door? I circle once more, searching for any cracks, any hints at an opening. Still nothing. “Sweet maiden, are you alright? A tower with no doors or stairs would seem more prison than sanctuary. Might you be in any trouble?” The singing begins again. My desire grows into frustration, the perfect trophy just out of reach. I dismount from Maximus so that I can peer closer at the wall. The slabs are rough and worn but still too smooth to climb. “Oh, lovely one, how might I reach you? I may not appear so, but I am a valiant prince. Destiny has brought me here to rescue you.” The singing pauses, and after a moment’s silence, the shining gold plait soars out the window and thumps against the tower wall in front of me. Then the singing resumes. I tug swiftly on the silky rope in front of me, and to my surprise, it’s sturdy. Maximus sniffs and stomps impatiently. Gripping tightly, I slowly begin my assent. I press my boots into the old stone in front of me and 昀椀nd that the worn leather grips better than expected. First with hands, then feet, I move a few paces above the grass PLAINS PARADOX ■ 80