A week later, they all sat at the dinner table finishing off their meal.

"I'm learning to throw a knife," Talya told Nicolas.

"Are you any good?"

"I will be."

"How are you coming along, Sheeba?"

"We're using telepathy to zero in my aim. Vorlyk's helped healing a few times when I've been off."

Vorlyk spoke, "Padding keeps it minimal."

"I'm getting better. Talya and I make a good team." There was pride in her voice.

"I've been ...