Wheeling Gull Isle If you can’t beat ‘em

There were things he could say had he the compunction.
Truths that could be shared.

They would have wounded his wife and Mou could not fathom that, even if it meant taking what was rightfully someone else's. Niamh was dead; Maegi was alive. Even if he told the truth now and Phox demanded the children be returned, they were too young to be without the constant care of a mother.

While Mou ruminated, Aiolos did the talking. He had valid concerns about having the dark man stay with them; at the same time even Mou knew their numbers were thin. If the family was to survive — transplants and all — they would need more able bodies to keep everyone safe and fed.

Without anything to add, Mou remained silent. He was watching, listening, letting his mind focus on the problem and find a tactical solution so that everyone could, somehow, win. There were only so many avenues of possibility available to him.