Caspian's expression softens, and he nods. "I thank you for your sympathy," he says. "It is kindly given."

He exhales through his nose and turns back to the task at hand. "And now – aye, I live in a new world. In my first year here I befriended a young woman, Amy. We grew so close that we soon considered ourselves brother and sister. I live now in her world, as does another dear friend, the Lady Marian."