Lion Head Mesa lectus

germanicus felt himself tense.

"he knows i will leave when you are well."

in this much he had dedicated himself.

"i found you at the base of a cliff. crumpled. bleeding. the saints struck you, and i —"

why did crowfeather make him falter as nothing else did? he could not bear to meet the asking eyes. he was afraid to see pleading there.

"they cannot be allowed to come back. i do not want to lead. but i will adapt. and you — you will be safe."

he swallowed.

"the canyon is a three days' march. it is not so far. when the heavy storms come, i will stay in akashingo." 

with you.

he inhaled. he cleared his throat. he finally looked at crowfeather. "when you are healed, i will go east with you." nothing in this had changed. he must only be sure that he could truly ensure the shadow's safety.

the eagle felt suddenly what it must be. he had failed as a man.