[ Success. They've reached an understanding. He lets the tension drop from his shoulders, tilts his chin up in satisfaction; he'll have his names, and will bring justice to bear upon the kidnappers all the quicker for it.

He thinks, snorting, that adults are just fooling themselves if they think someone his age isn't capable of the same feats -- or atrocities -- as anyone a decade older. ]

As if a child soldier is the most absurd thing the world has to offer? But if you still have complaints, feel free to direct them to my mother.

[ Dead, and may she stay that way. ]