"I think my favorite are cats, followed very closely by birds," he murmurs, watching with undisguised delight as the bird lands on Ishiah's finger.

"And I think you are right. For most of my life I was largely unthinking, largely obedient and when I strayed I was put in my place. Of course, cats are not like that. Ernest does whatever he wants and cares little about my opinions or orders."