He pushed open the curtain and walked slowly and deftly out onto the patio. Martin, slightly upset that his father had seemed not to hear about his new son, followed.

The wind was chilly and Martin shivered, but his father, Leroy, seemed not bothered by the cold. He was staring up into the sky curiously, almost frightened. “What are you up to, Kuakrok?â€? he asked so softly that Martin had to strain to hear. He knew who Kuakrok was, but he didn’t want to think about him, so he tried to bring back the subject of his brother again.

“We haven’t named him yet you know,â€? Martin said cautiously. “It’s your place to name the child. Do you want to see him?â€? But Leroy was not paying any attention to Martin. “It’s coming,â€? he said suddenly. “A Prophecy, it’s coming.â€? He walked quickly to the edge of the patio and leaned out over the railing, as though he were about to throw up. He straightened and closed his eyes.