“No apologies necessary,” the giant replied, each word drawn out in mid-yawn. The mere power of his voice shook the foundation of the cave, and stones rained from crevices of the walls. “I always welcome visitors, few as they are.”
Archai opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by the giant.
“Much time has passed since the last time I saw a man,” he said, turning his head in curiosity. Eyes wide with recognition, Sto'Eck smiled and leaned over with his hands on his knees to see the three better. “So long it has been since I last saw you, Sapient.”
“Yes,” Archai replied. “It has been—”
“What time has passed; do you know?”
“Well, at least—”
“Not that time is something either of us would feel,” the giant continued.
Archai sent a narrowed gaze to the girls, wordlessly blaming them for
