After an exhaustive argument between sides, they agreed that though Jorick had perhaps had ulterior motives, it was for the best, insofar as Malick the malcontent was concerned, that he beat him to the heart. However, there was much concern over Samael, and both councils dropped into silence and stared at the "accused" for the answer.

Jorick cleared his throat and said, "I doubt Samael will be a problem. Should he prove to be so, the Kugsankal is more than capable of ...