Do you have means to only look after one patient at a time? [he retorts, without heat.

Family and tribe were the whole world to a shrike. Centuries of social isolation did that to a people. The Waking World's redirection of those instincts made for some...interesting results, in Illarion's case.] Besides, the others have learned already they are not islands in Trench's sea, to fend for themselves in isolation.

Whether they will also learn their selves are not simply tools to be used up serving others, [the shrike lifts a hand above the water, tipping it out in a gesture of equivocation,] this remains to be seen, but they are young and inexperienced yet.

But you--you are a different case, yes?