Arioch's chin jutted out stubbornly. He was both hurt and angry at the rebuke. "I never said you were a child," he said, pitched low for Eric to hear.
"And I love you too. You know this. Eric, I've missed you for so long. Won't you indulge me? Just let me take care of you, just for a little bit. I... need to," he finished, faltering.
Ari's eyes and ears had spotted them long before the caravan was visible to them. By now, everyone would be gathered to receive him. Were they in for a surprise.