I found Esau’s field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau’s neat hand.

[Janco] paused. His eyes held a distant gleam as if seeing into his past. 'My first practice was a shock. I was a cocky smart aleck--' [Opal] 'Was?' [J] 'Be quiet. I'm telling a story here.

Nothing says you care for me better than offering to torture my enemies.

My mind’s screaming went unvoiced. Logic grabbed the panic and wrestled it to the ground.

Many have tried to kill us. All have failed. -Valek

I understood that Valek’s loyalty to the Commander was without question. His blue eyes held a fierce determination and I knew in my soul that Valek would take his own life after he had taken mine.

'Did you live here?' Leif asked. I nodded. 'For two years'.'Where did you stay?' 'I had a room in Valek's suite.' Leif shot me an incredulous look. 'Boy, you worked fast.'