'THAT WAS A NICE THOUGHT,' Alek commented while we walked to a favourite spot in the garden.

I wrapped an arm around his waist and leaned against him as we walked. 'He made it clear, when explaining stuff to me that not everyone would make it back. I'd hate for his family to miss out on saying goodbye.'

Alek looked at me disbelievingly. I shrugged, feeling a bit defensive.

'Well it's true, isn't it?' At least Ignatius had been upfront about it.

'It's ...