The canyon was about 3 miles long and for the most part around 40 to 50 yards wide, but there were places where it was considerably narrower. The great black mountains towered so high above us that the canyon walls blocked out most of the light, and although it was the middle of the day, it was dark enough at times to feel like the middle of the night.

He closed his eyes, and I could tell he was replaying the scene in his mind. I waited for him to go on, but his silence continued – he was just sitting there, perfectly still, his eyes closed, totally lost in his memories.

How old were you then? I asked him quietly.

He stirred at the sound of my voice, and his eyes opened. He blinked several times, then rubbed his eyes.

What? he said.

How old were you?

I was 16---

He momentarily squeezed his eyes shut, then opened them again and shook his head, as if clearing something from his mind.