I woke with a start in my dark little dormitory. There was a persistent knock coming from my window. I jumped out of bed and waved my wand groggily. A few candles on my desk lit, illuminating the shape of a large snowy owl. "Gamma!" She was the director's owl. He only left his perch on important business, and at times like these, it could only be bad news. I opened the belt and took the heavy envelope from his beak. It sat on my head and watched me read: Dear Miss Shadowcaster, Something has happened that I think your participation in would be most fortuitous. Please come to the hatchery immediately. And dress warmly, darling, it's terribly cold. Long live the spiral, -A. Well, it probably came from the manager, but I figured it could wait until morning. But as I lay back down, Gamma dug his claws into my head and started screaming. "Alright! I'll go!" Damn bird. I had no idea what a new madness this was going to be, so I dressed carefully. A thick blue cloak, soft leather boots, and my largest spell set, with many healing spells. I was already wearing my secret amulet. So Gamma and I walked down the stairs in silence and out into the commons. When we entered the hatchery, there were lots of people talking in excited, hushed voices. In growing confusion I recognized Mr. Lincoln, Dr. Purreau, Prospector Zeke, Sherlock Bones, Cyrus Drake, Professor Greyrose, Milo Barker, an undead warlock, a golem, and a wooden puppet. I placed my envelope on the jade table in the center. Everyone was silent. "Ah, there you are, Miss Delaney! We have some exciting news for you." Mr. Lincoln looked like he was about to give me the best gift ever. The doctor spoke. "The council has decided that we need a spy to...... middle of paper ... the servants are lucky to have such a master. All citizens of the spiral would thank you for your feat - but you must not tell anyone. What reward would you like? Maybe it would be worth getting out of bed. Milo Barker exclaimed, “He’s worth loads of gold!” “Oh Milo, you’ve got loads of pets,” Ambrose said chastisingly. “Anyway, young duck. already seems to like it. It's yours, Delaney. " "Thank you, Director. It was an honor to be chosen. Good night, gentlemen. Long live the spiral. "'Long live the spiral!'" they sang in unison. And with that, Pip and I flew up to my dorm, crawled into bed, and fell asleep just as the sun was rising on a beautiful Saturday in Ravenwood I didn't know how I was going to explain my fantastic new pet to my friends, but I knew this adventure wasn't over yet...