Timin hated fishing from the canoes since his brother went overboard. Where Timin used to be sure-footed he now felt unsteady, as if he might join Cass at any moment. But as the winter came on the fish moved, and in the cold it was always better to have two people in a boat in case one fell in the frigid water.

“How is Misha?” His father asked. “She has not been by since Kaye arrived.”

Timin hadn’t invited her. He knew Misha was upset about that, but things had been strained between them since Cass’ death. “Misha’s fine.”

“Have you asked the priest about an auspicious time for the wedding?”

“I’m sure she has.”

“The chief about a hut?”

“Not yet.”

Gabe tossed the net over the water and Timin grabbed the sides of the canoe as it rocked. They were both silent as they watched it drift into the dark water where Cass had disappeared.

“He’s not coming back. You have to move on.”

Timin kept his eyes on the length of rope attached to the descending net. Maybe they’d bring up a piece of clothing this time. Some part of his brother that they’d lost. “I know. I am.”

His father stomped on the side of the boat, making it rock so hard Timin sank to his knees and gripped the sides until his knuckles were white.

“You are not,” Gabe said. “You need to come out with me daily.”

“But Kaye…”

“Will not be here long.”

“She might.”

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Gabe shook his head. “She has a home and a family across the mountain. She does not belong here.”

Timin looked into the water. “Maybe I don’t belong here either.”

His father was silent and grim-faced as he began hauling the net up, so Timin spoke again. “She has your eyes. What if she’s family? I have a right to know if she’s family.”

“She is not family.” Gabe’s muscles strained as he hauled in the net. “I am not from the Seven Tribes, so put that thought from your mind.”

“But you look like her.”

“Aye. And I am sure that somewhere there is a tribe with blonde hair and blue eyes. But that does not mean you are related to them.”

Timin crossed his arms, refusing to help haul the full net onto the rocking boat until he got an answer.

Gabe sighed and wiped his brow with a hand. “I know you feel like an outsider here, son. But trust me when I say it is for the best. You would not be welcome in my tribe, through no fault of your own. It hurts me less to see you as an outsider here than it would to take you home.”

“I don’t want to go to your tribe, I just want to know who I am.”

“You are Timin Breen of Gaerlom. That will not change for all the knowledge in the world.” Gabe steadied himself and grabbed the rope taut again. “Now help me get this in or we will not have dinner tonight.”

Without speaking, Timin helped his father bring in the fish. When they returned Kaye was still out collecting herbs.

“It’s getting dark,” Timin said and peeked out the door. Where was she? Had she encountered another mountain spirit?

Gabe and Abigail looked at each other, and something passed between them. Something Timin couldn’t figure. He was about to ask them what it was when Kaye opened the door-flap and almost ran into him, pale and breathless.

“Oh, for Trina! I’m sorry, Timin.” She squeezed past him to set her bag on the cot.

They all stared at her. She looked as if she was in pain again, but a bright smile lit her face. “Find something good?” Timin asked.

“Oh yes.” She took a moment to catch her breath as she fished the herbs out of her bag. “I’m sorry I’m home so late. I didn’t realize how far I had wandered.” She placed a purple flower carefully on her cot and handed the rest of the herbs to Abigail, who looked at them quizzically before putting them in her basket. She didn’t look excited about them, but perhaps it was something Kaye had never seen before. Timin knew she loved herbs.

“You’re fine then? We were worried.”

She smiled at him. “I wasn’t fed to Mountain. I’m fine.”

He looked at his parents, but they showed no concern. His father studied the flower as if it was some holy relic he hadn’t seen in a long time. Kaye hovered over Abigail, all energy. “Fish tonight? I’m starving. I’ll help you make it.”

Kaye was the strangest girl Timin had ever met.