Kade's job as a teacher and therapist for the kids of his Great-Aunt's school made him want to explain and comfort Alexander, but he could see the irritation growing in his face so he let it drop.

The group followed Katalina and Christopher as they led back behind the castle. The weather shifted again and it was now scorching hot. Any water that had soaked their clothing quickly evaporated and jackets were shed. Wash seemed unaffected by the change, he was aware of it but didn't shed a layer to compensate. He did, however, sip from a canteen at his side, which he offered to Alexander. 

Christopher pulled the ladder from the spot they had left it and held it out to Sumi. She didn't look that impressed with the ladder. "Okay, so we need to get across the mote and this will get us to the top?" She asked confused. Sumi looked up at the castle which towered over the ladder, which was maybe six feet tall.