The summer ended and the moment I dreaded, occurred. After two months, Frederick Valens returned. He set down his valise and placed his large hands on his slim hips, puffing out his chest. I stood on the verandah saying nothing as he examined me with a critical look.
“You have grown, Mordecai and put on weight too. You look fit and still angry. Why am I not surprised? Have you been practicing what I taught you?”
“Every day,” I replied, jaw clenched.
“Good, good. You know, Mordecai, anger alone won"t do you much good on its own. In a fight, a match, a cooler head is a better way to go.”
I bristled but smiled grimly. “I"ll try to remember.”
Frederick went round greeting everyone. Katya threw her arms around his neck and Frederick lifted her off the floor and swung her around while she s
