"It'll follow the whims of someone," Lambert answers, knocking back another gulp of wine with faerie ale. In that context, at least, it explains some of how Childermass acts. It's terrible being the one people turn to for guidance, and for a man so fond of disappearing in shadows, that attention is like standing under bright, unforgiving light.

"That's how these things work. He's going to have his work cut out for him just getting them to give him the time of day."