Chapter 12

“You look distressed,” the woman said. “Let me get you some tea, or do you prefer coffee? We have both prepared this morning.”

“I don’t know what I should do,” Ian said.

“Sit,” the woman said, motioning to a chair in the side of the room opposite the children. “I will join you, and offer you advice. My name is Fatima.”

Ian obeyed her, and sat in the chair. In less than a minute, Fatima returned to sit in the chair next to his. Ian sipped the tea, and took a deep breath.

“Now, is it your evening with Khnurn that has shaken you up?” Fatima asked.

“No, not at all. By the way, you’re his niece? You look pretty young. Are you like him?”