"It is not a job," corrected Cyric, "it's a calling. We are carrying out the will of Saint Mathew."

"I wish you well, and I promise we'll come and visit you once we're settled in."

"I look forward to it," said Cyric. "Where's Natalia?"

"She's helping Lady Arabel. I'm afraid our benefactor had little spare clothing, so Natalia's offered some of hers. I expect they're still altering them."

"They'd best be quick about it," offered the Temple Knight, "we'll be anchoring soon."

"Out here?"

"Oh, yes, only the large merchant houses are allowed space on the wharf. The rest must ferry their cargo and passengers by ship's boat."

"It seems a very unusual situation," observed Athgar.

"You have to understand," said Cyric, "the great merchant houses built the whole dockyard. It's only proper that they should get priority."

"But at the expense of all the others? That hardly seems fair."

"Life is not about fairness," offered Cyric, "in fact, it can often be quite harsh. We must learn to accept whatever comes our way."

"An interesting statement," said Athgar, "and one which, coming from anyone else, I would have taken as insulting, but you actually practice what you preach. I find it strange that we should get along."

"Why so?"

"Well," said Athgar, "I worship the old Gods while you worship the Saints. That, in itself, would suggest otherwise."

"You forget," said Cyric, "that the Saints teach us to get along with our neighbours, living in peace and harmony."

"A notion I admire," said Athgar, "and yet I cannot offer forgiveness for those that attacked my village."

"The Saints will not blame you for that. They understand people far better than you might think. Even the real world must be understood. I know the Church wants peace, but we all feel it inevitable that war will come. The Halvarians crave it, and the Petty Kingdoms are growing frustrated with the great Empire's expansion at their expense."

"How long, do you think, before war breaks out?"

"A year or two, not much more," offered Cyric, "so you should enjoy the peace while it lasts, chances are the next war will engulf the entire continent." He lapsed into silence.

Athgar looked out at the city. It was hard to imagine the scale of war that Cyric was talking about, and he, too, remained silent as he contemplated the concept.

Captain Runell yelled out commands to his crew. They both watched as the ship's skiff was lowered over the side.

"I fear our time together is at an end this day," said Cyric, "for I must get ashore and report to my superiors."

"Aren't we going as well?" asked Athgar.

"Eventually," said Cyric, "but Lady Arabel asked me to deliver a message for her. By the time she's ready to disembark, there should be a carriage waiting for all of you. I believe you were going to stay at her estate?"

"Yes," said Athgar, "why do you ask?"