CHAPTER 49Josyff became very still, both inwardly and outwardly, some ancient instinct knowing that the least inappropriate movement or thought might send his prey flying. Though he had never felt anything like this before, and was, in part, appalled by it, it seemed to be deeply familiar.
Softly, like a gently thrown lure, he spoke the words as they formed in his mind,
“They, sir?”
The prey did not bolt. Rather, it relaxed. Josyff continued his vigil.
“Those who made themselves known to you — spoke to you — judged you.”
“Yes, sir. But who are they? How...?”
Adroyan stopped him with a gesture and became part teacher, part preacher.
“The ‘how?’ is beyond us, surveyor. As for who they are...” He paused as though searching for an answer to a question he had never been asked before. “In
