“Mrs. Turbeldy hesitated. She didn’t want to tell him it was because I picked up goodies for her now and then, ribbon for her hats or chocolates from the cake shop. Because of that, Mrs. Turbeldy didn’t hate me nearly as much as she pretended to. Or maybe she did. I stole from her too.” 

The world that Sage occupies is a hostile one, even for children. Adults can be bribed, resources are scarce, and the threat of violence is at every turn. Sage is very alone, with only his wit and cunning to protect him.

“‘You’re a trick to figure out, Sage. Would you ever be on my side, even if I chose you over the other boys?’” 

Sage is a wily character, and Conner wonders exactly whose side Sage is on. What his moral compass is and what he believes if, if anything, are mysteries to be discovered. 

“‘Conner sent a messenger ahead. I heard about you.’ Errol smiled and added, ‘I fear you may find out the answer to that question for yourself.’” 

Sage’s reputation precedes him at every turn. Even when Sage has first arrived at Farthenwood, Conner’s estate, Errol the servant boy is aware of Sage’s reputation for being a conniving, clever, and wily young man. The question that Errol is referring to is in regard to what occurs should one not do as Conner wants. Errol implies that Sage is certainly going to go against what Conner wants and will suffer the consequences.