[Suzerain of Sheol]

Ulysses leads Felix outside as Marl discusses the plan with the others. He snaps his fingers as he clears the doorway.

"Sic. Rise."

And like a damned revenant, the beast does, from its indolent position rolling uncannily into full upright posture.

"This is Felix," he says to his companion. And with a glance back at the man, "He can understand simple speech."

Ulysses comes to stand before Sicarius, meeting the warhorse's strange blue eyes. "We've bloody business to attend tonight, and he's to be our watchman. I want you to protect him."

There is no affectionate pat, no affirmation of devoted friendship. They both know the premise of this relationship, and there is a grim sort of respect between soldier and steed.