Spotted Eagle Mountain groundlight

Even in his fear (which he had under fierce control), Ishi admired this creature to no end. The great cat lay there, sleek and languid in the dull light from the sky, utterly magnificent in his power. Ishi's heart soared as he realised that this cougar would soon walk at his side, his friend and disciple. But he knew it wouldn't happen by magic.

The beast spoke of torture and death, but it didn't quite register with Ishi. It was clear that he was dark and chaotic, and perhaps touched with the maliciousness that Spring had told him about, but he was still a mountain lion. And therefore he was one of Ishi's.

The boy was so weak (and weakened still), and the cougar so strong, that the prod sent him to the ground in a small cloud of dust. But he lay upright with determined effort, stifling a wince as he stated calmly: you may not know it yet, but I'm your king. Truly I am.