COPYRIGHT ©2015 all rights reserved (I do not own the cover picture) “And what do my eyes see? Die Fremde is awake and walking around.” He went to stand right before me. He gazed down at me with his piercing dark eyes; I dropped my head because I couldn’t stand looking at him. “I was showing her the village and explaining how things are dealt with, father. She is a fast learner.” Mayla squeezed my hand in comfort. “I see. So after intruding my land and endangering my clan she is willing to learn, to … obey?” He spoke loudly and full of doubt. Everyone was silent. But then I heard steps on the dirty ground, many feet were shuffling and voices were raised. I heard flesh patting flesh and: “She had not made attempt to run. I might say she wants to be on your good side, my friend.” My headsnapped at the sound of his voice. She was too familiar. I looked directly into dark-brown eyes that were deeper and sadder than the woods I stumbled through on my first days. I could not stop staring into these eyes. Something about him, not only his voice, reminded me of something that happened what felt like an eternity ago. His gaze also lingered on my face, taking in every detail. I wanted to ask him who he was and why he seemed so familiar. But Lorsan’s loud voice interrupted this moment: “Ah, Gannicus, you shall be right. But if her mind changes feel free to tame this beast as you did in the arena.” Both men, and everyone around, laughed at that. My eyes widened in shock, not only because of this obvious threat, but because of the name.