"I'll keep that in mind," Caesar said blandly, flinching reflexively as one of Albert's wings brushed the back of his hand. Almost there, he thought, just a little further, the mantra keeping him going as his limbs began to tremble under the burden of his brother's weight.

His strength was in his mind. For the first time in a long time, he regretted not having paid more attention to the strength his rail-thin body was lacking.

"It's a good thing you're so skinny," Caesar quipped, "or else I might have had to get a cart. That might have been a little embarrassing for both of us."