Blacktail Deer Plateau lyrebird

Koontz wasn't quite sure what to make of Xerxes's answer. Did he mean that he would remain with his son's pack when he stepped down or did he hope to retire elsewhere? Perhaps he had no particular plan or destination in mind and he'd truly wandered here by happenstance and just stopped for an idle chat. Whatever the case, Koontz didn't really mind; she was just curious.

"If you're interested in trying something new and different," she said, "I can tell you a little more about Dragonwatchers." Koontz didn't like being aggressive about recruiting pack mates, nor did she enjoy pushing hard to sell it to strangers, especially ones who might not be interested whatsoever. She left it out there, letting him take her up if he wanted. If not, they could always talk about something else.

But before he could even answer, she added, "We even have a co-rank that might suit a windy retiree perfectly." She grinned to indicate that it was a joke. Of course, no offense was meant and, belatedly, Koontz worried that he might not find the well-intended quip palatable. She tensed a little and held her breath for his reaction.