He thought about what he should say. He didn't know how much Nathaniel already knew. He could only think to tell the truth. “She was taken, too. When I was very small. The ironclads came for her and took her to Engn.”
“That must have been very upsetting.”
“I suppose. I was very young.”
“And, of course, she never returned to the valley. Do you know what became of her?”
“No,” said Finn. “I've never seen her. I don't think I'd recognize her now.”
He regretted saying that even as he spoke. It sounded too much like an attempt to justify his lie. He felt his face redden slightly. Nathaniel paused for a moment, regarding Finn, then began to scribble away.
“But she must still be here somewhere?” he said when he'd finished writing.
“I suppose so.”
“Perhaps we should try and track her down.
