Lion Head Mesa And which is to remain unknowable and unremembered

Yes, he confirmed, stepping quietly out of the doorway and into Pharaoh’s scrutinizing gaze. The rotting stench of Maggie’s flesh was evident even before the dressing was removed, but it filled the air when her wound was exposed. Aventus was used to the reek of death and did not outwardly react, but inwardly, he cringed to know she lived still.

Aventus of Ursus, he introduced himself as he rounded Maggie’s other side and stood across her body from the leader of Akashingo. Pharaoh was perfumed with the scent of flowers and his followers, pretty enough, if one was inclined in that fashion. It was a scent he found unpleasant, but did not wrinkle his nose at it. Ramesses’ eyes were lapis lazuli, almost as deep and vibrant as Astara’s had been, and he averted his gaze as much from grief as common courtesy.

Nyra, he repeated in a quiet tone. She boasts like a warrior but you will find no bigger coward. She targets those smaller and weaker than herself. He could not keep himself from sneering at the thought of her. Of course she would go for a smaller wolf when a larger threat presented itself. Pathetic. She attacked me once. I was only four months old.