"Concordance Ninety-Nine." Alain nodded seriously, pushing himself to his feet to stand beside Roland. "I'll remember. And I'll keep her in sight, and him as well. Ro'?"

"She's said all that's needed," Roland said quietly. "I trust you in this, Al, as I've trusted you in all else." He leant down, pressing his forehead to the smaller man's for a moment, his eyes closed and his hand on Alain's shoulder. "Thankee."

Alain only shrugged, clasping Roland's arm in return, and then settled back down into the little semi-circle of gunslingers. Bert gave him a light, friendly punch in the arm - "There's for warning her we'd follow!" - then looked up at Kaine. "And you?" he said, the lightness dropping out of his voice again. "You sound as if you're staying with us."