“I wasn’t aware that cows were ‘rated’ at all,” says Palamedes, relaxing ever-so-slightly when the man reassures him. His own brows crease in sympathy when John’s nose starts to bleed; he takes a handkerchief out of his pocket and hands it over. “Yes, you have to be careful of that. I have found that it is possible to tap into unusual abilities without being subjected to the symptoms associated with memory retrieval, but it’s a delicate dance. Better to approach one’s talents carefully, in my experience.”