Faolan's eyes widened slowly as realization struck him about exactly what Aurel was asking. Normally, his first thought would not be an accusation against Lucien, but in this case it was where his thoughts went immediately. Lucien and the boy had been alone for an entire week while Faolan took care of his errand and the Irishman had no way of knowing what had been discussed. Also, Faolan had asked Lucien to explain his situation, although vaguely, before he left. Lucien had reassured him that he would "explain everything"...now, the Irishman was wondering exactly what the "everything" had included.

However, he knew that Lucien understood why they should keep the secret. There was no telling what Aurel's reaction would be, and what he may let slip in his interactions with strangers.

His next sentence, however, explained everything that Faolan needed to know. He clenched his jaw instinctively as he eyes locked onto the snake at Aurel's side. There was something curious about the way it was looking at them...Faolan had known that they were more intelligent than your average garden snake, but was not sure of the extent of their knowledge or understanding of what went on around them. Now he was sure that they were more than met the eye...he would have to watch them a little more closely from now on.

Unsure of how to proceed, or what to say, the Irishman laid the paper down in his lap and looked at Lucien. He was simply at a loss for words...this kind of thing was certainly not his forte.