not let that thing out of its cage unless you are moments away from death.”


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    He means us no harm. The boy sent the thought loudly, not knowing the exact location of the intelligence that had been created from his subconscious. In return, he felt a wave of reluctance. Clearly, a part of his mind remembered what had happened to him and didn’t want anything like that to happen again. Pershanti’s reminder that he needed to be careful when dealing with the thing shaped his next thoughts. I appreciate you looking out for me, but Troublefinder obviously trusts whoever this is, and you have seen inside his mind. We are among friends.


    That was impressive to witness. The thought came from outside himself, and he knew it must be the Quaelyne’s mind.


    You could see what happened through the shield? he thought back.


    Not so much see, as feel. The will of the other is strong, but I could feel your battle even through the barrier. A feeling of respect flowed through the connection. Wisdom is knowing when you are overmatched and finding a way to outthink your opponent. He is you, but not. The most primal part of your mind it knows only base things, attack and defense, victory and defeat. Emotions will shape its growth. The more afraid you are, the more control it will have over you. Show it that you are able to handle whatever comes your way and you will eventually become its master.


    I see that you saved the life of my son, the Quaelyne said, sending gratitude and happiness through the link.


    True, but you are fostering this cub, so his actions speak well for you.


    We heard you walking the remembrances, the Quaelyne said, looking towards the boy. Rarely has one seen them so clearly.


    This is common in one so young, though I have rarely heard of one of your kind having the ability. If the Elders agree I will teach you how to walk the remembrances as I teach Troublefinder. As he finished, a small yip of excitement filled the bower and they all felt a quick wave of exaltation rush through them.


    Yes, through the thought share you may pick up on his strongest feelings. He is young yet, and doesn’t know how to share his thoughts, but when a connection is established it is sometimes strong enough that emotions can intrude on the signal.


    Forgive me, that should have been one of the first things we spoke of, but I noticed that you do not have a thing you call yourself so thought it might be rude to bring it up. A wave of thoughts went through them then. First, an image of a smaller silver and black form dropping onto the back of a spider three times his size in order to save his future mate. Next, an image of a slightly larger version of himself staring down a pack of wolves whose pelts gleamed like the night sky. Finally images of him nearly fully grown staring into the challenging eyes of a familiar female, now fully grown, who was half again his size. Dauntless.


    Names are important, Pershanti. He will know when he has found the name he is comfortable with, and in time that too shall be shed when he reaches maturity, as it should be.


    Rest until morning, then I will bring you to the Quaelyne. I will stand guard, in case there is anything hungry enough to brave your flame.


    The other one? She thought. Her eyes went wide as she realized he must be talking about Seargeant Mcdowell.


    They don’t know yet that Bredwin and Drake died last year, and they haven’t caught the twins yet. Elandria put every effort into keeping her face stony so as not to show any sort of reaction as he read off the names. “You have done your homework,” she said, figuring it was no use trying to deny the information.