"Or at least get a better look at it," Tuo agrees, delighted--but, all evidence to the contrary, he is only a fool, not a reckless fool.

He turns about smoothly on his heel with a hand raised in objection. "But not you," he says, looking directly at Finian. "I think it would be best if you went back into the sanctuary. Better that the guard captain's son does not become a late night treat for," an idle gesture at the mountain top, "whatever our mystery beast turns out to be."