"You'll have to tell me a good one sometime then," Akito says, intrigued. "Me and Quintus!" Because Quintus always loves a good story, and if he hasn't heard any of them yet Akito knows the hatchling would love it.

"I can find things to do without being an entertainer." He doesn't sound offended, because he isn't. Just matter-of-fact, and maybe just a bit teasing. "But if you need back-up I guess I can try it."