Northstar Vale over glacial plains

Nanuq expected to be greeted from within the territory, but the proud auburn leader of Epoch came from along the borders to his rear. The boy folded immediately into a posture of respect, as he was taught by his mother, with his two-toned eyes glued to the man's broad red chest. His heart thumped even harder against his ribs when Arsenio spoke.

Yes, he answered, followed immediately by, is this Epoch? Arsenio was right to be worried from the tight, rushed quality of Nanuq's voice, although his emergency was only in his head, and was of his own making. He felt like there were lions roaring down his back. It was only a matter of time before Aquene realized he was gone, or Germanicus noticed he had left the territory, and then they would take him back to that awful place with those awful duties.

He had made his decision, but until it was made real, they could still come for him.