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It was a Sparrow, Hector saw. It looked at once familiar and strange to him. Familiar, because at a glance, he could've absolutely mistaken it for Hanton or Pauline Gaolanet. And strange, because he began to notice many subtle differences.

Its huge body was still quite plump and round, but its plumage was noticeably sharper. Not so soft and fluffy. The overall color was similar as well, aside from a slightly more golden tinge.

And the head. A cluster of feathers protruded from its temples, almost like a crown, fluttering with each movement the bird made.

The real question, though, was if its telepathic abilities were any different. Hector still remembered what Rasalased had told him about Wrobels being "the worst of all possible enemies."

Were these the ones he'd been referring to? And for Ras to have said that, just how powerful had these guys been?

Agrian did not appear surprised by the bird's sudden presence. They faced one another for a long time, with only Agrian saying anything aloud.

Hector couldn't help wondering why he was being shown this scene in the first place. Did the Forge expect him to understand what they were saying? Even when half the conversation wasn't coming through the vision, and the other half was in a language he'd never heard before today?

Hmm.

Maybe he should try talking to the Forge again himself, Hector decided. "Hello?" he said aloud.

His voice carried no weight, however. He felt it in his mind, but it was like the sound didn't reach his ears. Not the like the sounds of the vision were.

Ah, wait, had he not put enough willpower into it or something? He tried again.

"Candle," he said aloud. "Hello? Can you understand me?"

That was better. The sound definitely carried that time.

How weird.