"We've dealt with worse," Bert said carelessly, waving a hand. "Skin-men, demons, wizards... Roland with a headache..." But underneath that irreverence there was a current of something that was almost apology, and almost gratitude. It was always rather reassuring to know that people worried about you, even if you hated it and wished they wouldn't.

"So!" He clapped his hands together, grinning. "Cannibals. Giant birds. Nariko's ex-lovers. Anything else we should be on the lookout for, oh all-knowing guide?"