Hero Grown. Andy Livingstone

know no more than you. But my wife has the knowledge and she hails from the land of the Delta River, where pale skin is prized and the well-to-do chase that beauty for themselves. She knows. What you must do yourself, you learn. What others can do for you, let them learn. Use your time how best you can.’ Smiling broadly, he patted Brann’s upper arm, where scarlet had already started to spread, and ignored the boy’s wince. ‘All you need to know is that it works. Their vanity is your salvation, young Mr Snow. Embrace it.’

      Brann was surprised. ‘You know snow?’ It seemed so incongruous in a land of constant baking heat.

      A calloused finger tapped at Brann’s forehead. ‘An army does not campaign within the shadow of its own city, does it?’ He lifted over a small stool and settled down in front of the bush, blade in hand. ‘Now go, before the sun climbs to lunchtime.’