It was a startling admission, considering that the person they had hoped to find was standing before them. Night and Mhina exchanged troubled glances, then looked upon the boy that seemed to be unaware of the priestess standing in their presence.

“The spirits that had swarmed about him, are no longer occupying his being.” the woman explained. “The absence he is referring to, is the wandering souls that were drawn to his aura. They have detached from his spirit and their voices have been dispelled. For him, it is as though there was no one here. That is why you have come to this dwelling, is it not?”

“We…yes.” Night stammered. “We were hoping to find you…ah…ma’am.”

She smiled, once more. “I have no name. I have no need of one. But, if you must designate a title for me, you may call me whatever you wish, little Bravewolf.”

Astonished, Night attempted to relay his surprise, but all he could manage in the way of words was, “Ah…you…you know my…”

Yet again, the mystic smiled. “Yes. I know all of you. Night, Shade, Blaze, Tod, Kit, Mhina-Liana, and Tangerine.” she said, looking at each person as she spoke their names.

“That’s so neat!” Kit exclaimed. “You know all of us and we didn’t even tell you our names!”

“You even knew Mom’s whole name!” Tod said, with genuine intrigue. It was a facet of their exchange that both Mhina and Night had noticed, as well. How was it possible that she knew such a thing? She had never met any of them, yet not only had she anticipated their arrival, she was also able to identify each of them by name. It was truly a puzzlement.