(Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you what you are.) –CervantesThe Changer sleeps the clock round and into the next day, waking only to eat with animal concentration and then to sleep again. No one, not even Arthur, dares to question him during his infrequent waking spells. There is something cold, and, if they had the courage to admit it, something desperate, in his single yellow eye.Shahrazad keeps vigil over her father, leaving only for twice-daily runs—the morning one with Anson, the afternoon with Arthur. Thus, she is the first to note when he awakens more in possession of himself. She does not think to notify anyone, so the Changer has time to stretch, compose himself, and inventory his injuries.He is not pleased with what he confirms. Normally, as long as he has the energy, he is able to shift his shape into one that is uninjured. Whatever Louhi has done to his eye socket is preventing this. He can shift shape, but the shape always lacks an eye. If he is not cautious, the socket begins to bleed.Growling, he devours the food left out for him and goes to sleep, this time as a coyote, delighting Shahrazad to no end.
