40
As Tarkyn walked past Sparrow who was using some sticks to build a miniature shelter, he noticed her glance up at him and then look quickly back down at what she was doing. He stopped dead and squatted down beside her on the muddy ground, privately ruing the state of his mud-splattered leggings.
“Hello, young one,” he said. “Am I wrong, or are you mad at me?”
“Why would I be mad at you?” said Sparrow aloofly, keeping her attention fixed firmly on what she was doing. “I haven’t seen you enough to have anything to get mad about.”
“Sparrow, look at me.” When the little girl reluctantly raised her eyes, Tarkyn continued, “Have I been neglecting you since Midnight arrived?”
Sparrow shrugged. “You don’t have to play with me if you don’t want to. You’re not my dad.”
“I am your friend tho
