Alva ran through the sea to meet them, her smile broad and her feet kicking up a curtain of spray. "Are you back, Bradan? Did you kill many Caterans, Melcorka?"
"Hundreds," Melcorka said, smiling, "far too many to count. How are you?"
"I am fine, thank you," Alva said, with a little curtsey. "I am living with Igraine now, and she is far kinder than Father ever was." Her face was solemn. "She makes me say please and thank-you and wash my hands and face nearly every day."
pleasethank-you"Nearly every day?" Melcorka widened her eyes in horror. "My goodness, Alva, if you are not careful, you will be all washed away until there is nothing left except your smile!"
Alva frowned for a moment and then laughed. "No, that won"t happen, Melcorka. You are being silly now."
"Melcorka is good at bei
