Gabriel,' said Jerott firmly, 'is now at Birgu, Malta, engaged in a life-and-death struggle for the Grand Mastership of the Order of St John. He is unlikely to spend a large part of his time arranging esoteric disasters for his adversaries. He is far more likely to arrange to kill them stone dead.' 'All right. You go and get killed stone dead on that side of the garden, and I'll stick to this,' said Lymond.
Jerott emphasizes the seriousness of Gabriel's situation in Malta, where he is involved in a critical and dangerous contest for leadership within the Order of St John. He suggests that Gabriel's focus is on direct, life-threatening actions rather than minor or symbolic schemes. This highlights the gravity of the political and military struggles Gabriel faces.
Lymond responds pragmatically, indicating that he prefers to avoid dangerous confrontations and will stay on the safer side. Their exchange underscores differing approaches—Jerott's acknowledgment of Gabriel's deadly seriousness and Lymond's cautious attitude toward personal risk.
