. "I spent a lot of my young life cloistered, but I've spent many years traveling, and to be honest, I'm in no hurry to be put walls between myself and the world again. I do intend to pay my proper respects one day soon."

"And you still call yourself brother," I say mildly. "I suppose old habits die hard," and I smile at him.

"Mebbe ye're here t'join th'church?"

"There is a church of Jesus here in town," I agree. "I have visited it; it seems quite pleasant."

"I've a scientific education, knowledge of woodscraft, and a number of experiences that could prove salient."

"Those sound useful indeed," I say, "although I wonder if a knowledge of the supernatural would be more helpful here..."


"Well, 'is thin's surely bringin' in th'strangers, ain't't?"

"Aweh."

I look to where Syl is gazing and see a tall, slender woman, who greets us with a word I don't recognise, but I understand the intent, and so I give her a little bow.

"The woods are crowded today," I say, a little wryly. "Particularly on such a rainy day."