Janius glanced briefly at Zharanthixil when Kaleeth mentioned their leaving. He was not sure how wise it was to speak as if Julan would not be coming back any time soon. Nevertheless, he raised his hands and answered calmly.

[i]"I made it absolutely clear to him what the reality was with regards to how long we are here,"[/i] Janius said. [i]"He's young, true, but there is nothing wrong with him making a few mistakes. In fact, I hope he makes a few mistakes. It is healthier to learn from these experiences rather than avoid them."[/i] He smiled and turned up his hand. [i]"What's the worst that could happen, knowing our Julan?"[/i]

[hr]
Rhazii listened to every word. He had nothing to say back at first. He just sat, breathing slowly, until he had no will left to resist tears falling from his face. His inhaling grew sharper. He tried his hardest not to sob.

"I don't know what to do," he mumbled.

Fendros knelt beside Rhazii and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Mother," Rhazii continued. "I want to see you how I did before, but...I'm scared that one day you're going to kill more people because it's easier. I don't want you to. It's not how I remember you. I wish you didn't turn into this."