"Don't mention it," he whispers, but now he's even more worried, and he feels a sharp stab of guilt that wasn't there before.

How badly did I hurt Gorlim? How much of that is my fault? Is he going to be all right?

He'll never admit that he's worried about Gorlim. He doesn't know why he is, himself. But he has to ask. "What did the cards say about him? Unless you'd rather not say."

He shifts position, working gently with both hands.