Stone Circle What can break me has a name

More arrived to attend Skald, who had garnered Swift's attention for the time being after remarking on the success of his hunt. To the boy's delight, Kristjan also noticed him. He sat even more proudly, his tail thumping in the manner of a twitterpated rabbit's foot. He chirped 'sure!' in reply, agreeing to teach Kristjan some of the things he knew.

Swiftlet did not have so long to float on this high cloud, as in short order Skald got to the reason he had called them all here. Though the boy's attention wandered through the gaps of the Anda's broken speech, his ears caught new leader, anchoring his attention more surely. Not expecting this, he shot a sidelong glance to his mother. But one among them was was quick to seize her chance, prompting Swift to drop his squirrel and barge forward himself.

No you won't! He said, squaring himself in front of Astrid. It should be me! Like Sven said, she— his head jerked to indicate Tauris —is my mother. So that makes me next in line!