Nate stood before the old man, his expression unreadable as he studied the elder's face. There was a sense of quiet respect in the way the old man regarded him, though Nate couldn't tell if it was genuine or merely a result of whatever Ka had told them. Either way, something had shifted. The air in the gathering space felt different. Even the guards standing nearby, their hands resting on their weapons, watched him with wary eyes, as if unsure whether to fear him or simply remain on guard.
The old man finally spoke, his voice slow and measured. "Ka told me about your situation."
Nate remained silent, waiting.
"As for information about the beasts," the old man continued, "we don't have much more than what Ka has already told you."
A flicker of disappointment passed through Nate's eyes. He had hoped for more—something that could give him a deeper understanding of what he was up against.
