"That's true. But everything dies," (and that's a fact) Eddie says quietly. "Hell, with the Pine Devil here, everything can get eaten eventually."

He lapses into quiet thought for a while. "Chickens can live up to ten years. Twelve, I think, if they're really healthy. It will be a while yet. I'm thinking of staying, even after we solve the mystery and problem of the barrier, but... I didn't get the impression that you would?"