Brother Odd nodded. Of course he must speak to the abbot. They had to discuss what to do next, and work out the best way to save as many of the monks as possible. He followed the young monk through the monastery to the abbots chambers. The old man sat there in a chair, writing what looked like a series of letters. That wasnt the part that made Brother Odd stop short, though.

There was a chest by the abbots side that Odd recognized. It was made from dark wood that they said had been charred by the fringes of a dragons breath, and bound in dull iron. The lock was a simple, solid thing, and Brother Odd was shocked to see that a key sat in it, ready.

I thought that had been destroyed, he said, without thinking.

Typically, a brother waits for the abbot to speak, the abbot pointed out. He looked up at Odd. Although this is not an issue in this case.

What? Odd said, incapable of saying more. Already, his thoughts were racing with the possibilities of what might follow. The abbot couldnt mean to

When you came to us, the abbot said, you told me that you wanted to be a different man. You gave away the things that you had come with, renounced who you were. I told you at the time that it does not work like that, and have told you several times since.

Odd could remember the most recent conversation, when hed been unable to rid himself of the memories of all hed done.

Even so, the abbot continued, I had thought that you might come to terms with who you were, and you were at least a loyal and dutiful brother of our monastery. Until earlier.

They were going to kill you, Odd said. I know that the orders rules forbid violence, but

That is just it, the abbot said, with a sad smile. You are seeking an excuse now, as you have sought excuses since you arrived. I am not the man I was. I did not know what would happen. It was necessary. They were going to kill you. Sometimes you must accept responsibility, Sir Oderick.

Do not call me that, Odd said. Hed thought of himself that way in the battle, but to hear it from the abbots lips hurt too much.

Why should I not? the abbot asked. Will you strike me down for doing so? Will you kill me?

Of… of course not, Odd said. I am a brother, and you are my abbot. I could never harm you.

The abbot considered him for several seconds. He stood. There was a power to the old man now that had nothing to do with violence.

If you were a brother, you would have obeyed my instructions, the abbot said. I commanded you to kneel in silence and wait. You chose not to do that.