As Victor stared at the tattoo, something sparked in his brain; an old memory, too hazy too see. Something flitting in and out of the deepest corners of his brain.
He touched Spati's arm lightly, feeling his hand burn. "Spati, It's very sweet of you to try and protect me. . .but. . .I think this is my battle, if it is indeed a battle."
Spati looked at him as if loathe to stop. "But-" he began
"Shhh, I'm a big boy, Spati. I've been alive a lot longer than you think. Besides; only the good die young." He made a wry smile. "I'm far too evil to die just yet."