I’ve already given you the whole explanation of how that came about. It happened because it was going to happen. All other explanations for anything … - James Blish

The express pulled into the Stazione Termini in Rome five minutes ahead of schedule with a feminine shriek. Ruiz found a porter with no difficulty, tipped him the standard 100 lire for his two pieces of luggage, and gave directions. The priest’s Italian was adequate, but hardly standard; it made the facchino grin with delight every time Ruiz opened his mouth. He had learned it by reading, partly in Dante, mostly in opera libretti, and consequently what he lacked in accent he made up for in flowery phrases; he was unable to ask the way to the nearest fruit stall without sounding as though he would throw himself into the Tiber unless he got an answer.

Munitions and magic are circles that don’t intersect very effectively.

Impossible!" Father Domenico cried, though choking with the dust of the exploded crucifix. "It is written that in that war you will at last nature conquered and chained!