Great Bear Wilderness I made it all look painless,

His features were unmistakable. Embattled, hard-muscled. A great gray watchtower. An immortal kingsguard. And when he turned to look at her, Needle saw the missing eye. She frowned deeper, if only to hide her surprise.

She couldn’t allow the pale-washed veteran to intimidate her. She dared not show an inkling of doubt.

He made it easier on her. Rather than taking issue with her ill manners, the stranger seemed amused, which only served to embolden this little silver quickhatch.

So she bristled at being infantilized. I’m not a pup! Her thoughts seethed, her eyes narrowed, and when he said it a second time, her tongue lashed. I am not a pup, she insisted with ironic childishness. No wonder you’re all beat up.