Well, how was he supposed to say no to that face or to the hand touching him? Or perhaps he was too drunk to consider his words. (Wouldn’t he have agreed to anything right now?) But no. As he passed a hand through Alcuin’s hair, he felt he meant his words. “No more drinking.” He felt strengthened by this couple, these friends who he apparently had failed. It was a strange notion, but he would try not to fail them again. And – stranger still – he meant it.

He turned to Nikola, and leaned into him. He was too proud – even now – to say thank you. “You have your uses,” he said instead.