The invocation of the late Lord Seeker's name settles Malcolm's features into stiff disapproval. "Lambert was a fool. I knew not the Lord Seeker personally, but that Lady Seeker Nicoline had chosen him over the Divine's objections--Most Holy had her reasons." And if Cole knew Lambert, then it was no wonder he was wary of Seekers, much less Malcolm's opinions.

He can't rightly say if his (supposed) death made matters better or all the worse. "I had hoped Lord Seeker Lucius would see reason, but he's gone along with the Accord's nullification, and only the Maker knows where he and the others have gone."

And someday he'll be found. But it can't take priority. He sighs. "You must understand that your...position is strange and startling. I am taught that you belong in the Fade, not running around here...feeding the ill."