"You may try, but you would not have succeeded," Gannicus countered darkly, realising the truth behind Sabriel's lie as he flicked a wary look at the girl beside him. As a man of multiple plans born of madness, Gannicus knew the futility of attempting to talk anyone out of them only too well.

A pause, and then Gannicus made a valiant attempt at the closest thing he knew to sympathy.

"Do not mourn your friend with sadness. Celebrate a warrior's passing with blood - and victory."