Once I accused her of a shameful thing and though I implored her forgiveness a thousand times I know that she weeps over my brutal words still.

But nothing could change her.

On my knees I have pleaded with her, and once she flung her arms round my shoulders and said, 'Neil, I can not tell you why I am marrying Strang.

But I must.' I went to Strang and demanded an explanation; I told him that my sister hated him, that the sight of his face and the sound of his voice filled her with abhorrence, but he only laughed at me and asked why I objected to becoming the brother-in-law of a prophet.

Day by day I have seen Marion's soul dying within her.