Ramon crumples a little in his arms, tired and aching and finding it hard to believe that Random isn't angry about this. It worries him that he's so blase about it too, because he can't stand the notion that he might not take it seriously and then get punished for that.

'I have to go back once, for a thing of Arithon's. Apart from that - I'll try. But I don't want you going there either Random, not at the moment. I know you shouldn't have to worry about it and that's my fault too and I'm sorry, but you have to be a bit careful now because I can't lose you to some vindictive bitch that hates me. I can't.'