One of the lessons of age, he said softly. Do not waste what time you have in regret. - Sean Russell

I do not want to end up like Stern, Tristam thought: the dutiful servant, silently chewing his resentment, hoping, pitifully, that his sacrifice would one day be rewarded.

"Well, perhaps you have begun your journey toward wisdom, Mr. Flattery," Kent said seriously. "We have such a short time and the journey is so terribly long. One cannot begin too soon."

I am a trained empiricist, sir. Superstition is not compatible with my pursuits.