Spotted Eagle Mountain groundlight

Although his surges of excitement were now weakened, Ishi attributed this to being his weariness and pain, not a lack of inner resolve. So he did at least feel some thrill at Shardul's confession (finally!) that this was indeed a test, and managed to hold back his fear of what was still to come. He had to be brave. As king of the mountain lions of course bravery was a foremost quality!

He crawled forward and licked at the water-soaked moss. It was delicious. After this little drink and sustenance from the bone marrow, he felt a little stronger. Though I'm not sure I can 'be merry', he joked weakly.