The Sunspire snake eater

"wanting to be the best served no man. i have been a soldier all my life and have mastered tactics. i did not accomplish this by seeking to be the best." such ambition served no one. "you must only be wiser than your opponent."

he wondered who the boy's mother was. he had not seen any who might fit a motherly description during their first meeting. perhaps this was a journey to test the boys. their centurions had forced the young wolves under their care to run quickly along snowy paths. this seemed rather more at ease. "your mother is wise. balance is what makes a skilled fighter."

they had traveled a good deal and germanicus was not certain he wished to lead the boy so far from his camp to mereo. "would you like me to teach you some things?" he asked veteran. the eagle took opportunities to train. he felt it would serve the duskfire wolf well.