"That I do," Bariyan said, though birthdays was a bit of a new concept to him. He let that one slip by, though.

He considered Martin carefully, rubbing his chin.

"You don't look very old," he said. "Perhaps... fourteen or so."

Sixteen. Sixteen was Bariyan's reference frame for all children. Sixteen was when Ko had left home. Sixteen was the age that Bariyan remembered and knew best.