FROM THE TIME Kurt Talker disappeared, presumed drowned, people began to claim him. They named his parents, his extended family, even whose Old People’s blood ran through his veins. Some swore they knew the very words whispered to him when he was a child, but only when he was gone did people realise Kurt Talker carried Original knowledge that is now – except (ahem) for a very special one or two of us – lost.

Kurt never claimed to speak for no one. Quiet, even shy, he tried to speak truth best he could.