Three days after the visitation from the angel, Marriette stood with the king as he shrugged his pack into position again.

"I am not the king," he said, "I am just one more penitent making a pilgrimage."

"I wish you would be the king," Marriette said, "I don't know I am ready for this."

"Think of all that you can do in my absence."

"I do," she said, "and that's what terrifies me."

"Listen to your advisors, but follow your heart," the king said. "You ...