"Well, I'm teaching you now. Connections are important, so remember that."
"I'll remember, Mr. Kene…"
"That being said," injected Vaun, "when we first came here, you were just this little kid swinging twigs around in the back room. Now look at you, you're nearly half a man."
"Half a—I'll be fifteen this winter!"
Zech's mother brought over the cider that Vaun had requested, along with a plate of dried meats and hard cheeses.
"Lucian bless you, Ma'am," said Kene, accepting his flagon. "You're an angel if there ever was one."
"Oh, stop it," she smiled, turning her motherly eyes on Zech and his friends. "Only one cup each for you lot, and no sneaking others. Understand?"
"Okay, Mum. Thank you!"
