The opening scene with Chronos and Logos being captive by Questor’s hidden runners was a rather sad change of pace from the usually bright and joyful rainbowface duo that we’ve come to know and care for. This situation likely will turn only worse once they reach their destination, although the hidden runner’s plan for the two of them remains rather mysterious and their aims likewise unclear. It really fits their characterization, not to let fear control them, and I was very glad to see that development happen.
The next sequence presents a very interesting outlook into Questor and how exactly his pack mentality works. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it definitely was not the aforementioned hidden runner to act so friendly instead of ruling with an iron first as I had initially surmised. Although, this may very well be a facade to hide his true intentions from not only his adversaries, but from allies as well whom might one day oppose him, so it is comprehensible that he would keep his true personality hidden for now. A rather devious tactical move from someone who has been designated as a brute in the past, and this only proves to make his character more interesting in my eyes.
But one of the more humorous sequences in the entire chapter was no doubt Gyors and his siblings attempt to spy on the other children, which failed miserably in the end. All of this is simply in a good-will and has absolutely no markings of a conflict and I was very much pleased to see you go for this development between the children and how they behave with one another. Simply but, the whole sequence was a very good comic relief from the perpetual tension in the air. And let’s be honest, Gyors’ inner thoughts on the circumstance was simply too hilarious to ignore.
Becoming friends with other species, especially ones you consider your food source, is not exactly easy as we have seen in the past to what that can lead to. However, the exchange between the children is easily one of the most delightful things in the entire chapter. And once the initial distrust and carefulness is over, they quickly become rather taken with one another. Although, try to get the threehorns and the more stubborn fastbiter children to say this out loud. I also liked how it was Sauria who was the first one to approach the other children. Guess bit of Seeker has rubbed on her?
However, this is where the chapter begins to take a dark turn once the body of the previously murdered dinosaur is found in the river. This poses some rather interesting developments in the valley’s own situation with staying neutral in the conflict, as this could potentially force the valley to reconsider their earlier decision on the entire matter and potentially join the fight to retaliate. As of now, the perpetrators of this atrocity remain in the dark, but it will likely not end well for them if the valley decides to enact an investigation to figure out what exactly happened. It might force them the act sooner than they would have liked once they’re caught or if they somehow manage to explain it so that it doesn’t reveal them.
I really enjoyed the game the children played together, as this is another example of despite the growing conflict around them, they are simply just children caught in the crossfire trying to enjoy life as best as they can. I couldn’t help but feel ecstatic over your ability to make writing interesting and humorous at the same time, which shows exactly how detailed your capability is in these matters. And from the sidelines, we see Staza’s reaction to this development. While it may not be easy to accept food as friends, I feel like she understood the need for friends in this case, no matter what species they may be.
And in the final scene, Chronos and Logos make plans to escape from their captors, albeit this includes the factor that the former must stay behind to cover his mate’s escape and warn the valley of this new development with the hidden runners. This scene was a clear testament to what deep affection between partners can cause a person to do for their significant other, and Chronos is more than willing to accept any outcome that awaits him. I will definitely look forward to how this story develops from here. There are so many interesting developments happening all at once that it is kind of hard to keep track of them all. Nevertheless, a splendid chapter!
