The babies both began to cry, woken from sleep by the sound of their uncle's voice calling out for Karen. The crying was soft, however, not gusty like most babies. But the fuss wasn't for very long, for both children settled back down, as milk drunk as they were. Karen looked at her brother with her eyes big and moist, and she said, "I didn't have much time. They were ready whether I was or was not." There was no small amount of fear in her voice, for it sounded shaken, for having just birthed two babies and being without her husband. Emotions were high.

She sighed and gently lay the little girl down so she could check on Harry, leaning over and touching his wrinkled little brow. The boy gave a sigh and his brow smoothed. Then she gestured to Pony, beckoning him over.