[The strangest thing about all this, Paul thinks as he accepts the scalpel and the vial, is how unstrange it is. Lazarus' plan is practical, realistic and accepting of risk. It's also a plan that relies on trusting that Paul will be able to hold up his end. He's used to both things, but not here, and it's

So he pulls off his left glove and makes a small incision in the pad of his ring finger, pressing the tiny wound against the edge of the vial and encouraging blood flow to the digit. This also reveals the black and silver signet ring on the middle finger of that hand, emblazoned with a hawk.]

I thought you might try to tell me not to get hurt. [He's slightly wry as he says it, a touch of self-deprecation for his lack of confidence.] I keep underestimating you.

[Blood sample collected, he recaps the vial and returns it, along with the scalpel, to Lazarus. The incision he presses against his thumb until it stops.]

Are you sure you're not overestimating me?

[He didn't mean for that to sound so faintly plaintive. He doesn't quite grimace at himself, but it's a near thing.]

Never mind. What's the incantation?