“There’s also the Unowned Desert,” Varille pointed out. “Three.”
“If it’s Unowned, is it a country?” I was genuinely curious, but I also just wanted to stump my sister again. Getting her flustered was much more fun than learning.
My father chose that moment to walk in, with Zed leaning heavily on his shoulder. “Lessons, is it?” Father asked brightly. He deposited Zed in an armchair near the bookshelf. “Can I leave you here with the children?” I heard him ask.
Zed murmured something in response. I didn’t hear what it was, but it must have been a plea for water, or food, because my father left the room. Once he was gone, Zed staggered over to us and sat on the floor, resting his head on Varille’s knee.
“What are you doing?” Varille hissed. “Father will see,” she added when Zed didn’t mov
