As the sun began to set, there was a stir of approaching men in the corridor. The door opened, and the abbot, Jamie’s uncle Alex who had been with them all this time, entered the room, accompanied by three monks, one of whom carried a small cedarwood box. The abbot came over to Jamie and blessed him briefly, then took one of his hands in his and said kindly, "We're gaun tae anoint the lassie."