“Twenty-five years ago I made my vow to love you and to live with you wherever you went," she whispered. "Since you're bound to go, I'd best keep my promise.”

“Please.” Ash gripped my hand, “Don't do this.”“I release you,” I whispered. “From your vow of knighthood, and the promises you made. Your service to me is done, Ash. You're free.”

“I don't know whether you're lying to me or you're telling me the truth. But if you're telling me the truth, that she's dead, it's the best news that I ever heard. Nobody else is going to say this to you. Everybody else is going to commiserate. But I grew up with you. I talk straight to you. The best thing for you is for her to be dead. She did not belong to you. She did not belong to anything you were. She did not belong to anything anyone is. You played ball--there was a field of play. She was not on the field of play. She was nowhere near it. Simple as that. She was out of bounds, a freak of nature, way out of bounds. You are to stop your mourning for her. You've kept this wound open for twenty-five years. And twenty-five years is enough. It's driven you mad. Keep it any longer and it's going to kill you. She's dead? Good! Let her go. Otherwise it will rot in your gut and take your life too." That's what I told him. I thought I could let the rage out of him. But he just cried. He couldn't let it go. I said this guy was going to get killed from this thing, and he did.”

“I love you, Leah. I’ve loved you for twenty years and I’ll love you for eternity. My beautiful Leah, listen closely. What I say is pure truth. And on this truth, you have my vow.”

“Will you keep me safe?” she whispered. ”I promise.” ”Then I’ll go anywhere with you.”

“I promise to remain faithfully beside you. I pledge to conquer faults; perfect my character. I vow to deserve you.I declare you're my dream, my fervent wish fulfilled. I offer my past wealth and future promises. I swear to keep your trust."I commit my soul's fire and my body's force. I profess I am forever bound to your heart. I proclaim I am yours.”