4
We left the good father comfortable in his chair with a warm fire and set off in the growing darkness. Caius led us westward along a wide dirt road to the north of the church so that we followed the last glimmer of light as it set behind the mountains.
Now was my chance at a heart-to-heart as I nudged my elbow to his arm. “So when were you going to tell me you had a brother?”
Caius didn’t meet my inquisitive gaze. “When you met him.”
I frowned. “Don’t you think that’s cutting it close? I mean, I am his sister now.” He pursed his lips. I looked ahead of us and sighed. “I know you were probably just keeping him safe, but since I’m going to go meet him now I really would like to know about him. I mean, how old is he?”
“Twelve summers, all told,” Caius revealed.
“So does that
