16
“Lord Bear, what happened a moment ago?”
When Flaming Arrow asked me that question, I didn't answer. I remember the moment vividly, though: As Flaming Arrow lifted his right foot, so did the stranger, Threatening Nightmare. As the unknown warrior looked left to measure the length of day left, Flaming Arrow looked left toward the warrior. As Flaming Arrow scratched his cheek with his empty right hand, so did Threatening Nightmare.
Behind me, my bear gave off a disconsolate howl. I didn't tell Flaming Arrow that my bear's disturbance was my own.—The Lectures of Guarding Bear, 9323 to 9335.
Flaming Arrow pivoted, caught the warrior's blade on the hilt-guard of his sword and ripped it out of his hands.
The warrior looked at his empty palms, surprised, then bowed to Flaming Arrow and we
