We see quite a few old Wrecker cities during our travels, many of which only appear for months at a time before being swept back under the surface by the shifting sands. This gives us a sense of the history of this strange place we find ourselves in, and it also shows us the intensity of the harsh natural world.

This image of the desert as the open sea gets completed with the entrance of the Desert Swan, the Pinch family's trademark sand-boat. It's proprietary technology, of course. All in all, this imagery gives us a sense of the isolation that Saba feels when exploring the wasteland.

Nero the Extraordinary Crow toes the line between humanity and the natural world. We frequently get the sense that he can understand speech, even communicate. That's next level. But is it really happening? Or is it all in Saba's head?

As the girls travel, however, Saba finds herself softening toward Emmi. She doesn't get too soft, of course—Saba will still get all bratty whenever she pleases—but she's finally able to appreciate some aspects of her little sister, especially those that remind her of her beloved Lugh.

Want to learn how to grow up quickly? Get yourself stuck in a hopeless situation. That'll do the trick. Now that we're done being snarky, we've just got to say that Saba's best quality is her ability to adapt. She struggles just like the rest of us, but she never lets that keep her down.

Although we don't know that Rooster Pinch is the King's father at this point, this passage raises an interesting question. Do you think Rooster's ability to read helped his son reach such insane heights of power?

Miz Pinch is one rough character. While Mr. Pinch is little more than a bumbling fool, Miz Pinch is a bona fide sadist who's willing to do anything if it gets her what she wants. Which is usually cash. No wonder she had such a jerk of a son.

Saba and Emmi aren't the only victims of Miz Pinch—her own husband seems to be imprisoned, abused, and tortured by her. Talk about not taking your vows seriously.