The teasing seemed to take a sudden turn into something else, something more like threats. Or, if it was still teasing, it had become something that Abel couldn't make sense of and didn't know how to respond to. He couldn't tell whether the stranger was threatening him with this reminder of his precarious situation or assuring him that he would be cared for.

"I don't mind," Abel said. He swallowed his nerves and lifted his chin. "I'm sure that the chapel has been maintained. The walls are sturdy. The old priest lived here, didn't he? I'll manage well enough."