"Son of a-!" said Justin.

"You're dead," said Zechariah.

"I'm not that lucky," Justin managed from his knees. "If this is meant to be a lesson, I am learning nothing!"

"Clearly," said Zechariah.

Zechariah stepped forward to kick him, and Justin brought his hands up out of reflex. He caught the old man's boot before it reached his chest, but it still knocked him backward. The stick then rapped him on the neck, sending stars spinning through his vision.

"You ...