‘That’s his excuse? Or does he just have a bad attitude? The point is, does he really have to behave like everyone’s his enemy all the time? Come to think of it, is there anybody he trusts?’

‘Not to my knowledge.’

‘That’s what I thought. But my point is, Father, don’t you think he overdoes the whole touch-me-not thing? Isn’t he a little too detached?’

‘Actually, I often wonder why he isn’t more so.’

Albert looked at him, mouth opening to form another question, when Father spoke again. ‘Do not make up your mind too soon about Marcus, Albert. Although he may not understand friendship as you see it, he may well prove a better friend to you than many you will meet here.’ Albert looked at him in wonder, but Father only smiled back. ‘Never mind. But where are my manners? Damon, this is Albert, whom I was telling you about.’

‘Pleased to meet you, Albert,’ said the Praetor.

As he spoke, Albert looked at the man—a stooped figure with bright eyes and the longest, whitest beard that Albert had ever seen. He wore long flowing red robes and a flat-topped hat. It was an outlandish costume, but somehow it suited him.

‘And Albert, this is the Praetor Damon, a pillar of our community, a close personal friend and perhaps the single most important man in Sanctuary.’

‘Nonsense,’ said the Praetor, in a hoarse voice.

Father shook his head, smiling, and went on. ‘Though, of course, he will never admit it. But Albert, you should know that, for all his modesty, the Praetor here is Head of the Collegium, which—I’ll let you explain it to Albert, Damon.’

‘Well, our function has changed much,’ said the Praetor, smiling. ‘We began as keepers of knowledge, hence the name. Over time, though, we have evolved into more of a social welfare organization. We still peruse the Books when we can, but of late we have been needed in a more … immediate capacity.’

‘Both the Praetor and the Collegium have been tireless in their efforts to aid us against the affliction that plagues us.’

‘And by affliction you mean the addiction?’ asked Albert.

‘Indeed,’ said Father. ‘And if it were not for Damon here and his Collegium, we would be even further stretched than we are now. Perhaps even too far. And all Sanctuary knows what we owe them. It is they who care for the affected, quarantine them, nurse them day in and day out, with no thought for themselves or the risks they run in their selflessness.’

‘Risks?’ asked Albert. ‘What kind of risks?’

The Praetor looked hard at him. ‘You have never met an addict, have you?’

‘No,’ admitted Albert.