We pass more women with swollen bellies hurrying towards the godshouse and Arjuro presses a kiss to Tariq's outstretched fingers. 'She's mocking me, runt of our litter,' Arjuro tells him. 'The Oracle is mocking me for choosing a man to share my bed. And her punishment is that I spend the rest of eternity staring between the legs of women.

A blind man can see what she feels for you and you for her. Your souls are not merely entwined; they are fused.

Our spirit is mightier than the filth of our memories.

And suddenly I know I have to go. But this time without being chased by the Brigadier, without experiencing the kindness of a postman from Yass, and without taking along a Cadet who will change the way I breath for the rest of my life.

He nods. "My mum has one just the same and you have no idea how disturbing it is that it's turning me on.

I'm sick and tired of you people living interstate and overseas from people you want to be with. You're ruining my life! All of you!

Is a person worth more because they have someone to grieve for them?