Ahlund led Justin below deck. Partway down the hallway, Justin stopped.

"You're angry with me," he said.

Ahlund came to a halt but did not turn around. He said nothing.

"Back at Lonn, I promised you I wouldn't run away anymore," Justin said. "Ahlund, I kept that promise. I did not run away. This was an accident."

"It was against your will that you left, then?" Ahlund said, still not turning around.

Justin opened his mouth, but the answer caught in his ...