This is the only way it's going to work, isn't it? Perhaps not if Near were better with animals, or had any magic that would facilitate communication with them. He dislikes the intimacy and vulnerability of interfacing, but he can think of no other option but to try it if he wants to come out of this encounter with any information at all.

So, lightly, he touches his fingers to the wolf's head, and attempts a concentrated stream of information -- his speculation that they are entering the next round of the game, and that he'd expected Hermit to be the one most likely to take an interest in him. He doesn't force it, simply checks to see if the wolf will be receptive. If it works, he will save more detailed questions for later.