Jorick stalked out the door and down the stairs. Annabelle buried her face in her hands. Her shoulders shook with soft sobs. The bedroom door opened and Estrilda peeped out.

"He's gone."

With the pronouncement she rushed out to her mother. Annabelle's sobs grew louder as she wrapped her arms around the child.

Annabelle spoke aloud in the same foreign language, no doubt to some silent comment of her daughter's.

Katelina fluttered uncertainly. She knew she ...