"My sister," Splendid says softly. "Her hair is the same colour as yours. And you're of a height." Although in bare feet, the Dag would be slightly taller than the woman standing in front of her.

She sighs, and then forces herself to stand straight. She won't curl up in disappointment, or grief. She will not. She did not fight for her freedom to do that.

"She might turn up, later. People here seem to do that."