Years upon years I have served her.

And her mother before her.
"I thought if the maid and the blasted one were gone, that you would follow.

Then I would be alone with the Goddess once more.

Cherkis will not slay them--and Cherkis will welcome you and give the maid and the blasted one back to you for the arts that you can teach him.
"Mercy, Masters, I meant no harm--bid the Goddess be merciful!" The ebon pools of eyes were clarified of their ancient shadows by his terror; age was wiped from them by fear, even as it was wiped from his face.

The wrinkles were gone.