If I had, you would have died! Odd said, and there was more force in his tone than he intended.

I would have, the abbot agreed. And those with me, but the monastery would have been spared, because the men here would have surrendered. You would not have blood on your hands.

What kind of man can stand by while good people are killed? Odd demanded.

A monk, the abbot said simply. He shook his head. What do you think will happen now?

Theyll come at us, Odd said. Probably a couple of scouting parties at first, then in force. If we can hold them, then that might give us enough time to escape over the sea. There are enough small boats around the island for that.

No, that is not what will happen, the abbot said. Because that will result in more death. Instead, I will go out to them.

Theyll kill you, Odd said.

Yes.

You… you cant!

The abbots look this time was one that had a hard edge to it. If you truly think that I fear death, then you have learned nothing in your time here, Sir Oderick.

I am not that man, Odd said.

The abbot shook his head. You are not a monk. What else you are is up to you.

Not a monk? The words caught Odd by surprise, as brutal as a blow might have been. He reeled from them.

What are you saying? he demanded.

You have done violence here, and wish to do more, the abbot said. You have ignored my instructions, and worse, some of the other young monks are starting to look to you as if your way is a kind of answer. That cannot be permitted. From this moment, you are no longer a brother of this monastery. You will leave, and not return.

Just like that? Odd said. He could feel the old anger rising in him, the one that threatened to drown out the rest of him. No, he wouldnt be that man.

Turn the key in the lock, the abbot said. It is time to take what is yours. There is no place for it here, or for you.

I dont want to, Odd said.

The abbot looked at him evenly. What we want doesnt come into it. Sometimes there are things we must do.

Odd let out a snarl and knelt before the chest. He turned the key in the lock, forward and then back again, to avoid the dart hed had placed there by a cunning man of the House of Weapons long ago. He opened the lid carefully, feeling more fear than hed ever felt in the run up to a battle.