Bearclaw Valley God knows I've tried to be kind

this was no news to him. he knew the way this worked, but he remained subservient, putting his head down like the good little guard dog he'd always been. 

the one ramesses made him into.

but unlike before, he wouldn't limit himself to what he was told he had to be. he intended to strive for as high as he could reach, even if that was a step below the top.

I won't. a calm response, yet one spoke with so much assurance. 

he'd never failed. and he wouldn't start now.