Chapter 11: Dischord and Dynne

Milo wakes up at the prescribed time and chooses not to wake up Chroma for the sunrise. As the musicians have been performing since the dawn of time, he figures they probably know what to do by themselves anyway. A few more excuses and Milo raises his arms up and begins to conduct the symphony. He’s surprised that it goes well, and then decides to stop them and go get Chroma. Unfortunately, they don’t stop, and the sky turns funny colors and he keeps trying harder and harder and it gets worse and worse. Finally, Milo drops his hands to his sides and they stop. It’s been one week and four minutes.

The group (minus Chroma) leave and Alec gives Milo a telescope. It’s so that Milo can see things as they really are, not just as they seem to be. So that’s two gifts that this kid has been given for no real reason, but I imagine (spoiler: I know) that they will be useful later in the story.

They drive away from where they have been, and come across a carnival wagon belonging to “Kakofonous A Dischord, Doctor of Dissonance.” The A stands for “as loud as possible” (which is printed larger, bold, and in all caps). “Dr.” Discord is a strange man, with ears as large as his head and a raspy voice. He invites them in and they talk about noise. Dr. Dissonance goes on about medicine and sound and healing things that don’t exist. The “Doctor” summons a genie-like creature to give him the “medicine” that our heroes refuse. The creature is called “DYNNE” (all in caps.) and they all discuss noise and the importance of it.

Eventually, Milo & Friends leave, driving toward the Valley of Sound. DYNNE and Discord warn Milo to be careful.

Thoughts:

Milo learns that conducting a symphony is out of his skill range. Alec teaches him to see things as they are, and Dr. Discord & DYNNE (who are two characters I don’t really like and I sort of skimmed over that part) teach him how most sounds are useful.  Since I’ve read this before, I know that Milo will soon come to the Silent Valley, which is called the Valley of Sound, and there will be no noise. 

I liked how they showed the Humbug and Tock as opposites. When they entered the carnival wagon, Tock entered first, ready to fight to protect Milo if needed. The Humbug hung back, ready to flee.