Swiftcurrent Creek but anything is preferable to the pain

Aventus turned his head to observe the glint in his sire's eye when he spoke again of Donovan, but he had no inkling of the former goings-on between the striped leader of the Saints and the red-ruffed leader of Ursus. Better for Merrick, truly, for Aventus would not have kept that knowledge from his loyal dam.

A sinister and jealous serpent coiled in his belly at the mention of siblings. Would they, like Avicus, seek to kill him one day? Would they come out weak and pathetic, like the two boys Astara tried to burden them with? Would they be as prey to him? He couldn't say he liked the idea of them, but their mention kindled the beginnings of a plan in his mind, a plan to place him firmly ahead in their eyes, so they would not show him disdain like his fiery sister.

Ursus will live, but you will not fail, he said at last, strongly, firmly. He was young and inexperienced and had taken the rank by duplicitous means, but Aventus was confident enough in himself to believe he could take Merrick's place if needbe. Only if needbe. There was still a fervent flame in his breast for the dragon of Ursus, such that he could not imagine attempting to take it if not necessary.