Janius tried to speak up partway through Lorag's explanation a few times. In most cases he was mistaken when he thought he was done. By the time he was really done, no one had anything to say. Not immediately. The realisation was universal amongst them. Lorag was right.

Instead of anyone giving a suggestion, Fendros spoke up to Lorag. "Lorag, even if one of us became Meesei's second, what does that mean for you? You've been a leader to us for as long as this pack has existed. We can't just switch places with you."

[hr]
Rhazii was not dressed under his linen, but he had not fallen asleep yet. He was reading a book by candlelight by the time Julan reached him. He closed the book and put it aside when it was clear what Julan wanted to do.

"Is that what you've been giddy about all this time?" Rhazii asked. "Well..." He hesitated, baring his teeth tensely. "Kaj, are you sure you want to do that? If uncle finds out, he's going to be really angry with us. And I know you've been practising with your beast spirit for a while, but maybe he has a point about this place?"

With Julan being the smaller and younger one, he was naturally more impulsive and attention-seeking. Sometimes Rhazii had to reel him in when he got too excited, but Rhazii was young too. They could both convince each other to be rash.