STANDING ON THE ROOFTOPS

Quote:The news she bares is far from desirable. Eyes narrow briefly as she announces herself Queen and he wants to snort, because in his mind there is only one true Queen of Glaciem, and it is not this grey-pelted woman. Alas, Voltaire knows that bold insults have no power. Change, if wanted, has to be made subtly. Already he conspires, but he supposes he ought to find out the reason for this usurper?s power before he comes to conclusions. She mentions that Argent is missing, and his teeth grind. He loves his mother, he?s been gone for so long, and he needs her. ?She?ll be back. She?s strong,? he says. He does not doubt; he knows the blood that flows through his veins is strong. It has seen him safely through hell and beyond, and he knows it comes form a combination of mother and father.
She mentions his separation and he sighs. ?Yes, I was?stolen away,? he says. There is no bitterness to his voice, only an emptiness that he cannot describe. In a flash he sees it once again, the jaws around his scruff, his useless legs flailing, the sight of wolves falling and dying in the arena he?d been brought to. He does not flinch at the memories, resisting it. No, he is stronger than his memories. She mentions his father, and he nods. ?I wish to return to Glaciem. I believe my siblings have need of me, and I?m almost old enough to help father,? he says, as if his broad shoulders and grown-up expression are not enough evidence of this.