“Of course, had we realized what would happen, we might have chosen differently.” She gives a small smile and her cheeks are pink now that everyone is looking her way. “Sky was born in the evening, during the community fireside time.” She pauses to let her words sink in but when she sees confusion on Mum’s face, Penny explains. “According to tradition, a baby who is born during the fireside meeting is destined to be either a great blessing, or…” she swallows. “A curse.”

“No prizes for guessing what Sana’s conclusion was.” Fenn’s voice is gruff, and I can tell from his eyes that he has seen too much – being a spy and acting as one of Sana’s closest followers has scarred him. “There was no doubt in her mind. Because you had the gall to challenge her from time to time, she declared immediately that you were the source of another curse.” He looks grim. “There was nothing else for us to do but run.”

Penny reaches out to him, puts her hand over his. “You saved us, Fenn. You are a good man and so brave.” Tears spill from her eyes and Tanya buries her head in her hands. Solomon is not ashamed of his tears and the look in his eyes is one of utmost pride and admiration.

Kasia continues the story.

“Those of us who could no longer bear Sana’s rule fled too. Although Sana and her companions despise the marked for beginning to rebuild the wall, their solution is simply to fight more, shed blood and scream all the louder. They have no sorrow at the deepening of division between our communities. We know that coming to Saintstone is foolish – we don’t expect to stay – but we could not stay in Featherstone any longer.”

Oscar leans into me, lips tickling my neck. No one else can hear him whisper just to me, “I missed you.”

The day passes like a dream and ends with Obel, Seb and Connor joining us. Connor simply nods at his son, who smiles briefly and then intently cleans his glasses. It is a stark contrast to the reunion between Obel and his parents. Regrets, memories and apologies are held out and passed around, and by the time the food Seb has brought is bubbling on the stove, the kitchen is filled with laughter. Oscar and I stay close together, our fingers entwined. I don’t want our hands to ever break apart but later, when Penny asks me to show her to a place she can change Sky’s clothes, I let go of him and take her and her tiny baby to my room.