Bearclaw Valley pack and forth

he had gathered his words to ask of ico a boon, a deepened marrow-broke thing that surged up from the depths of himself and filled his mouth.
but then the angelbird spoke, and merrick felt his nerves click back into place, smoothed by the invitation, finding succor in the sweetbark gaze of the soulful boy. "yes." the word shuddered on his lips.
"one day, one day, ico, i will be made to atone for the things ... the things that i have done." all in a rush a whirl a waterfall. "and when that day comes" — when not if, when not if " — i want you to get her and the kids out of here. take them somewhere safe. that is what i need from you."