I was about to press the matter further, but a look from Christopher stopped me.
“I am sorry to have pained you, dear little brother.” I took his hand. “Will you forgive me?”
“Yes,” with a smile.
He rose, and his relief was shaded with anxiety. This parting was the first sad one. I also had risen, and the boy was looking up into my face.
“I am trusting you,” he said, “trusting you with my life and Lentala’s, and the lives of many others.”
“Yes, and you’ll find me worthy, dear little brother.”
“I know.” He withdrew his hand, took Christopher’s arm and pressed it to his own side, and peered deep into his eyes. “Do you love me, old Christopher?”
“Me?”
Beelo gently slapped Christopher’s cheek.
“Answer! Do you love me?”