Lion Head Mesa Within the garden gates

germanicus felt nothing for the war to come. nyra had overplayed her hand. their enemy had shown themselves willing to act upon whims and cruelty. this was provable first through maggie's fate and secondly through the fatal attack upon the ursus queen. the saints had chosen to settle two scores in the same hour, invite two wars.

it did not suggest that there was a honed general among them. but it did not mean weakness. 

satsu's words rang in his mind. the eagle stared at the near stone wall of his chamber.

"crowfeather."

his voice was quiet yet firm. 

"one day, perhaps soon, it will be time to advance upon our enemy. when that day comes, i — it is my strong feeling and wish that you remain here." 

i go where you go, germanicus.

but not this time.

the imperator set his eyes upon crowfeather. this time there was a nakedness of spirit within them that asked the shadow to understand.