And at last, I was to the point where I could explain to her how this all related to what had happened at the stable. "I have told you of how Terre d'Ange was founded, by Elua and his eight Companions, the angels of God who came to Earth and remained. On my father's side, I am descended from Elua," I explained. "Through my mother's lineage, however, I am a scion of the angel Kushiel, who served as the punisher of God before he chose to become one of Elua's Companions. It is said that he loved his subjects too well. His nature is passed on to his scions."

At that, I paused, unsure as to whether Kate would understand my meaning.