"Being the Abhorsen is a weightly responsibility," Sabriel says quietly. "One that I understand you are wary of shouldering, even when it is shared by me."

She does, all too well - remembering her own doubts at his age, and the constant struggle of her years since taking up the burden.

"But it is your destiny, Sam. Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker? I am sure you will do very well, and we will soon be all together again, speaking of happier things."