He found the abbot in a cloister near the main gate, other senior figures from the monastery there with him. The precentor and the sacristan were both there, the head of the lay brothers and the librarian. Around them was a ring of other brothers, all waiting for information.

Brothers, brothers, the abbot said, making a placating gesture. Calm yourselves. I am sure it is not as bad as you imagine.

Its as bad and worse, Brother Odd said, stepping forward. The ships there have Ravins colors, which means that theyre probably the head of a larger invasion force to follow.

The abbot turned to him. Brother Odd, this is a matter which the senior monks must discuss. You must calm yourself. Seek the equilibrium that our home offers.

Thats going to be hard to do with a blade in me, Brother Odd said. And have no doubt, there will be blades. You need to evacuate while theres still time, or at least shut the gates so that they cant get in.

Brother Odd, you overstep your bounds, the abbot said. This monastery welcomes those who come to it. I and others will go down to the docks to meet our visitors. I will discuss things with them. I am sure they will see that we offer them no threat.

Men like that like it when the people they attack arent a threat, Brother Odd snapped back. Theyll cut you down, and

That is enough, Brother, the abbot said. You are still thinking like the man you were; the man you claim you do not wish to be. I want you to kneel here and contemplate that. In silence, please.

Brother Odd wanted to argue, but he couldnt see a way to do it, not with every other eye there on him. To say anything more would be to defy the abbot openly. A monk did not do that. Seeing no other choice, he knelt, the rake before him, forcing down the waves of frustration and anger that threatened to overwhelm him.

The abbot turned to the others there.

You will come with me, he said to them. We will greet our visitors in peace and remind them of the holy neutrality of our isle.

He set off through the monasterys gates, the others trailing in his wake.

Brother Odd continued to kneel, his thoughts racing in a way no monks should have. Maybe the abbot was right. Maybe he did need to slow himself, contemplate, not react the way the old him would have. Maybe the abbot going to the docks was the best move, peacefully welcoming those who came, trying diplomacy because the island had no swords to offer.