The two thugs ran past Kier, fleeing in terror.
Medes flew to land on his Mage's shoulder and rub his head against Kier's ear, who had lowered his head and was breathing heavily. Ina thought she could hear the owl whisper something, but couldn't make it out.
"Are you OK?" asked the owl.
"No. Not right now." Kier inhaled and lifted his head, his face to the morning sky. "I'm… Kier. I'm Kier, right?"
"Yes. You are Kier. You are Geheim. You are Kier. You are Geheim."