“The Almighty tends against killing,” said Duke Michael, “if I remember my scripture.” “Far as I can tell he makes all manner of exceptions.” “God has that luxury, he’s unlikely to get knifed in a fish market.” “You had a sword.” “If I’ve learned one thing in all my years of using one, it’s that men with swords die every bit as easily as other men, and usually much sooner. Besides, I couldn’t risk Eusebius. New dukes can be made with a word, but good servants are rare treasures. May I come in?”
