Twenty-eight

Selden marveled, “Everything has come naturally to Rian.”

“Sit with him, and you’ll see there’s no guile or invention in the boy.”

“I have. I sense it.”

“Yes, of course... Maybe I’m growing tired.”

“Primus, I’ll return in the morning. Or call for me if you need anything.”

“Rian stays with me. And Nurse hovers close. As does the bird.”

“This bird, Primus...”

“You’ll see.”

Selden turned to face the night and he felt the faintest presence. That was true.

“Good night, Gereon.”

And the bishop slept.