Arion entered the northern forest shortly after sunrise with Matthias on his left and Marius already complaining about human knees.
The complaint lasted less than twenty minutes.
By the time the old service road disappeared beneath exposed roots and wet leaves, Marius stopped beside a fallen cedar, handed Matthias his cane, and looked toward Arion with the expression of a man who had already made a decision.
"My human body was nearly seventy when you restored it. I appreciate having it back. I do not appreciate mountains."
Arion glanced ahead.
The terrain rose sharply beyond the trees, where thick moss swallowed stone and old-growth trunks stood close enough to block most of the grey November light. They had barely reached the beginning of the northern sector Matthias remembered.
"You want to shift."
"I spent sixty-three years crossing this forest without worrying about my knees."
Victor's voice came immediately through Arion's earpiece.
"I object."
