Before Alvin and the others could answer, Nick came scrambling up the slope, rolling and crawling as he went...
After excitedly circling Aisopan's horse and falcon, Nick turned and scrambled over to Aisopan, exclaiming, "Master, teach me how to become a Divine Condor Hero!
You were so freaking cool just now!"
Nick spoke rapid-fire English, and his overenthusiastic manner clearly left Aisopan at a loss...
The Tibetan girl, who was obviously not yet twenty, shyly jerked her arm away, then looked to Alvin, who seemed to be "one of her own," for help. "What's he saying?
How did I become his master?"
Alvin glanced at Nick, whose face was full of admiration. With an amused shake of his head, he told Aisopan, "He says you looked really cool just now!
He wants to become a Falcon Knight like you!
So he wants you to take him on as your student..."
Aisopan listened, then hurriedly pulled free of Nick's hand and waved both hands. "No, no, I'm not qualified to take on students...
The Divine Eagle chooses its own partner..."
Nick had spent so long hanging around the Peace Hotel that although he couldn't speak much Chinese, he could understand it...
Though Aisopan had a strong accent, clever Nick managed to make a fairly good guess at what she was saying...
"I'm the best partner there is..."
Nick took Aisopan's hand again and said earnestly, "Just give me a chance to try. I can prove I'm the best partner!
Becoming a Divine Condor Hero is my dream, but I'll surpass him and become a 'Dragon-Riding Divine Condor Hero.' I've already got my dragon ready. All I need now is a condor..."
Aisopan, who had looked so dashing a moment ago, stared at Nick, who was clinging to her like a stubborn