"A look of sorrow crossed his youthful features, but he quickly blinked it away. He pushed the small boat off the rocky shore into the water and then ...prang lightly into the rocking boat. He chuckled when he saw the look of surprise on Christine's face."I am not in pain anymore, child, for I no longer have a physical body. This..." he placed his hands on his chest, "is but a temporary gift, so that I may fulfill my promise to you. Here, allow me to help you. Take my hand, Christine."She took. The first two inlets with any sign of civilization were notably silent and devoid of any sign of life either human or animal. Curiosity drove Eve to land a small party to investigate the second little coastline village and she discovered that whoever had lived there recently decided to head inland to get away from the raiding parties making life difficult so close to the sea.The men were already grumbling because this was not a good start to the voyage at all. When they arrived at the third. He lead her from the bar and into the Bentley that waited outside. She felt her friends' eyes on her back but didn't turn, as he opened the door for her and she slid inside. He leant forward to speak to the driver before settling back next to her. Neither of them spoke as they drove and he stole glances at her from the corner of his eye. She was looking around the back seat of the car marveling at the expensive leather seats and occasionally looking forward to the driver. Finally they pulled up. I don’t mean this in any way but love, but you simply aren’t cut out to be the wife of a deacon, with all that entails, especially given your analysis.”“And you think Elizaveta can handle that?”“I think she has a very different personality from you or Tasha, and she reminds me of both Father Herman’s and Father Nicholas’ wives, as well as Deacon Grigori’s wife. But I’ll have to lay it out for her. It’s not an easy road to travel, but I will say it’s one she has considered, at least in the sense.