"I liked the old priest. I knew him well, knew him for years..." There was a quiet ache in the words, as strong as the current of a deep and implacable river.

The young man dew up short, staring into the fire for a long moment. His gaze turned, slowly. Settled on Abel. They reflected the glinting of the flame like shards of jet, and his lips barely moved when he spoke.

"We'll see how well you do."