“I mean, did you volunteer to come and find me, or were you talked into it?”
“Oh. Well, to tell you the truth, Waterstone suggested it but I didn’t mind. I figured we are going to have to get to know each other better, sooner or later.”
Immediately a constrained silence fell over them as they each tried to think of something to say.
Eventually, Ancient Oak said, “Sparrow seems to have taken to you then.”
Tarkyn gave a slight smile. “I’ve taken to her too. I’m quite surprised really. I haven’t had much to do with children before.”
Ancient Oak looked sideways at Tarkyn and cleared his throat. “You know, I’m not sure that I deserved that apology you gave me yesterday. In fact, I think I owe you one. I’m not surprised you snapped at me on the first day. After all I didn’t treat you well,
