Lake Rodney In the rain

germanicus loped in silence, pondering. "our mothers are not so different. mine even had a favoured astrologer." 

yes, germanicus. it was an obedience that the eagle did not want for himself. suppose the next morning he should rise and give in to the low choking feeling of no longer being a lone self in the world. and suppose in his acting he left crowfeather behind?

it was also a trust bestowed, and he was not worthy to hold this.

"they lead your people. mine use them to choose our emperors and heirs. for instance," and here germanicus paused to compose the sudden welling of hubris, "i was born under a less auspicious cycle of stars than my brother. and so tiberius was made heir."

"only one of us is now alive." the eagle faced into the wind rushing toward he and crowfeather. "perhaps they are only meant to guide, not to also be an oracle."