Perhaps it is now, that the Helmsman will see the Highblood-to-be within him. The Initiate's face grows only more gratified, thrilled, and slaughterous with the tale. If he still seems a child, he will not seem a kind one.

"GOOD. Let the mirthless motherfucker choke on his own unchuckling tongue," he says. "YOU TELL A GOOD TALE, HELMSMAN. Got the motherfucking approval high for it. PERHAPS IN DEATH THE WADER TOO PROVES SOMETHING OF USE WITH VIOLET OF HIS SPLIT MOTHERFUCKING VEINS." He laughs aloud at the thought.