If the Kroemer Dad was so sick that a pre-puberty Roxy had to take on Family Head duties, one wonders how that Dad managed to father Hound way Out West. Actually, for that matter, who the heck was leading the Kroemers while Dad was sick, Mom was dead, Roxy was bedridden, and Brill had to be less than 10? Max isn't a Kroemer. Is Hound actually the oldest? Noah had to meet him somewhere nearby to chase him down and presumably he's older than her if he had a command that she would eventually join...
Nevermind, in the first few chapters it specifically indicates Hound is the youngest. Dad's pretty impressive then...