“We missed you at Vesperfest,” says Brother Tufnels, with a gentle rebuke in his voice.

“I was wrong not to attend, I know,” sighs Brother Rallen. “I’ll be at Matinsfest and Laudsfest! But I was moshing so hard to the Holy Chords that I lost consciousness, and–”

“Part of being a Metallic is judging for yourself the line between indulgence and righteous rocking.” Tufnels is smiling now. “Now, can I persuade you to help me sacrifice a baby goat on the dark altar?”

“WHAT ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT,” asks Brother van Sveren, who took vows of extreme loudness last year.