Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“I didn’t say our soldiers—I said our newborns. We generally try not
to subject anyone to that stage’s ferocity. But I might be willing to
make an exception for you during the next hatching.”
“Hatching?” Sophie asked. “Like . . . from eggs?”
“In a way. Honestly, I can’t believe your elvin school hasn’t taught
you any of these things.”
“It’s an elite subject,” Mr. Forkle explained. “Though you might be
right that we should cover the basics earlier than that. Our thought
has always been to save that curriculum for those joining the nobility,
since they’re the ones who may actually interact with your species. But
it does seem like an oversight for so many to know so little about a
species with whom we share our planet. It also sounds like our
information has some gaps. I’ve never heard of your hatchings either.”
“That may be because we’re very protective of our newborns—and
even more so of those unhatched. But I suppose, since we’ll all be
spending so much time together, we can consider this to be a learning
experience.”
She gave Sophie a knowing glance.
In case you’re wondering, Mr. Forkle transmitted—and Sophie had to
lock her jaw to block a squeal—I’ve heard most of your conversation Sorry
to violate your privacy, but when she shifted to her archaic tongue, I had to
make sure you weren’t being threatened. I won’t say much more now, since
our conversation might be noticed. But I’m glad she’s giving you time to
consider—it gives me a chance to do some research. I’ve never heard any
whispers of the trolls having an elvin ally before. So let me do some digging—
and try not to let this worry you. I don’t think the trolls have an ulterior
motive. They sound scared, and I can’t blame them, considering the chaos
the Neverseen have been causing. I’d like to look into that, as well—make