Subject: Re: Deliberations

"Through their dead eyes they see nothing but darkness. And if they dare to reach for me I will burn the darkness from their eyes, false brothers of no concern. I bear The Master's mark, a mark darker than he ever intended. I do not believe any can see the light?"

He trails off and seems to have troubled himself with his words. Though he sighs he seems to make no effort to collect himself, the pieces are too scattered. Speaking like a man weak with from a fever he plods on.

"Hours pass inside or out, we need kill nothing but time. Once inside on the third dawn a path over stone and through blood will be laid down. Best to lead to a Promise saved but rather it dead than twisted to something it was not supposed to be."

"The mother keeps the word for her God, it is the word that grants her power." Sweat is beading on Cadfael's forehead and seems to be struggling to express this thought, "her power is balled together and focused for offering, it is hers to offer but not to command. All she is is focused on holding a promise, she has nothing left. The danger lies in the darkness that holds the dagger, the mother is now no more than a container to be opened."

Subject: Re: Deliberations

"Then," Sa'id says, "the question is whether or not we'll be able to hide anywhere inside the temple once we sneak in."