While Fendros wished Ahnasha was more sympathetic to Kaleeth's worries, she knew she was correct. The hesitation he had regarding how to answer gave room for Janius to speak up instead.

"Ahnasha's got a point, Kaleeth," Janius said sincerely. "Leaps has saved our lives before. I would feel safer with him around while we're in the wild."

Fendros lowered his shoulders in relief. He breathed in with something else to add. "I think the children are smart enough to know at least partly the risks we're taking. I don't think we want it to come to any of us getting hurt, let alone Leaps. But if Leaps is injured helping us, Rhazii and Julan are mature enough to know why."