Rutyer smiles a moment, his face unreadable. Which answer will reveal more of interest about Ralston? Which will get under his skin? To be reminded of what he's lost, or to think that he's been so disrespected that he's once again being set under someone below his rank?

A lie feels like the wrong approach. In the service of their improvisational relationship.

And so: he lifts his hand and, with a snap, summons a small tongue of flame, sitting above his middle finger. Then he closes his fist once more, smothering it, and then reaches down to pick up his lighter.

"Not something I advertise widely," he says. "I'm not skilled enough to sacrifice the element of surprise."