"Bringing back the dead is an unfortunate habit of the nexus, and I'm not offended." He offers her a seat - by the fire, it's cold in Arum this time of year - and considers how to explain. Most of the details are unpleasant or simply best not discussed in polite company, but if she's going to be his student, there are some matters it's simpler to get out of the way first.

Still not sitting - there's a book or two he wants for this, there was a purpose to coming down here - he starts, "Let's say I have intimate experience with mixing politics, religion and personal feud."