The one who received you from Charon. Remember? The one who sewed you back together! The one who 1-" He broke off suddenly, stunned at what he had been about to say: The one who loves you! "You would take credit that I'm alive?" "Yes!" he said, exasperated. Grimacing, he gave a wave of his hand. "No!" Letting out his breath, he rubbed the back of his neck and turned away from her. "Partially." She was quiet for a long moment. "You've told me more than once you believe the Lord has his hand upon me." He faced her, desperation filling him. She was slipping away from him. He could feel it. "Yes. I believe God kept you alive so you could teach me." "And for no other reason?" "The reasons all stem out of that. Don't you see? If not for what you've taught me, what would've happened to Severina and Boethus and Helena and a hundred others who came to us at the booth outside the public baths? Where would Magonianus' wife and child be now if not for you? How many others are there in this city who need the gifts your god has given you?" His words didn't dissuade her.
