Sunspire Mountains Is it a game of hide and seek, or tag? Either way, I'll end up dead.

The man knew what to say to appear indifferent. Glaukos did not know how to feel about him; he was a threat because he was once a Saint, but the Saints were gone. Glaukos had found himself a new contract so perhaps this one did too.

Either way, what did it matter? Glaukos respected Germanicus so far as he must, for survival's sake, and for the contract forged with the elder; if this stranger proved to be an issue, they'd deal with it. Better yet, Glaukos could keep his knowledge to himself and watch as this panned out — whatever this was, whatever business this man had in the region.

The boy thought of these things as he lurked behind the shadow, watchful, livid, and then it was Germanicus that motioned to him — and Glaukos realized he had been too open about his thoughts, for they'd played upon his face.

Glaukos had to think fast.

We should chase him out, he answered to the general.

Unless he can be of use to us and to Mereo, he should not be here. His face was a grimace of teeth, watching the man now rather than the elder, bristling. His voice erupted again, this time with a teenage crack to it: We guard these mountains like you want, Germanicus, so let us do our job.