Silvertip Mountain I don’t see how he can ever finish, if he doesn’t begin

scant light entered the cave. val had never been so grateful to hug dirt.

the sound of steps ahead encouraged him to rise, albeit shakily. shadows moving along the wall turned into the form of his companions -- first arielle, then aventus. when she spoke he had to withhold his every impulse to yell, to romp and cheer -- but this was a somber occasion, and they served a somber god.

hi. val murmured breathlessly, tail low and wagging.