Duck Lake The Tingler

"Any star," he confirmed, though Engel was already looking for a star before he had said it. It seemed that the russet man finally settled on one--Phocion couldn't pick out which; it was a bright, starry night--and the priest nodded.

"You can say it however you like," Phocion murmured. His head swiveled south, toward the valley. "And it's about time I head home, anyway. I will not bear witness to your prayers."

He dipped his nose to Engel in a small bow, smiling. His crystalline gaze, apparently so beguiling to the man, sparkled with good humor as he spoke next. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Engel. I wish you good luck with your travels."

With slow but deliberate strides, he padded away from Engel, leaving the man alone with the thoughts he didn't want anyone else to hear.