The former heir did not miss the look that crossed his younger brother’s face. They were, after all, essentially strangers. Mostly this was Zaqar’s fault. His preference to observe interact seemed to distance him from the others far more than he intended. What was about to occur was his attempt to reconcile differences and form a relationship with someone other than his mother.

Though he would have had the same reservations as Locke had one of his older brothers come to him in such a manner, Zaqar was oblivious to the hesitance and skeptical glances thrown his way. Instead, he softly padded to the right, disappearing into the jagged landscape. It was sunny, but Rome was so focused on his own amusement that the tall rocks easily hid Zaqar’s large body despite the bright daylight.

Every few seconds, he peeked over the great stones to check on Rome. Locke remained well hidden, and he mentally praised his younger brother for his intelligence. When Rome at last settled into a crevice for a nap, Zaqar stifled a snort. The yearling was lucky it was his brothers stalking him rather than another with more malicious intentions.

Zaqar crept up to a tight gap several yards from Rome’s hiding place. Across the main path from him was Locke; he made eye contact before looking to the rock immediately beside their slumbering brother. His intention was for Locke to pounce from above while he waited to ambush when the boy would inevitably dart forward. Pulling his head so that it was hidden from Rome but still visible to Locke, he lowered himself into a crouch to await the opportune moment.