I listen to what 'e says, and I see 'is eyes shimmer wi'tears. It makes me 'eart hurt, knowing 'e can cry like that, but it's comfortin' too, cos I don' reckon you can cry unless you care. Wonder if 'im in the Tower can cry. Wonder if that would mean 'e still 'ad an 'eart.

"He isn't just, or solely, evil. He wants to twist and destroy everything the way he has done to himself. And - I don't know if he can be stopped."

Me throat gets all dry at that.

"So... d'you think that's it, then? We're doomed?" I says. I 'ope not. I'm not ready fer all this t'be gone. "What 'bout your other brothers?" I says. "Won't some of 'em 'elp you?"

An' then 'e kisses me, an' I wonder if this is what it feels like t'die, cos it's like a great sweet white stillness settles on me, an' even when I close me eyes I see light.

"Then I am loved truly, Hope. When your time comes, it comes. And I will be there, for you."

Nothin' much I can say to that; ain't got the words. Jus' nod at 'is gift to me, an' feel a tear slide down me cheek.