"But it would be our choice."
Kadar knew he had done all he could. He thought it would probably be enough. "You'll let me know tomorrow?"
Tarik nodded. "Tomorrow evening. I'll think about what you've said."
Kadar turned to leave.
"But now I want a promise from you."
Kadar glanced inquiringly over his shoulder.
"You say that Selene is too stunned to think of anything but Nasim, but what of you? Aren't you avoiding thinking about Eshe too? I can think of at least three questions you should have asked me that you didn't. Where is your curiosity, Kadar? You may not believe Eshe can do what Selket wished it to do, but what if it can? What if it's not a myth? What if everyone could live far beyond their sixtieth year? Promise me you'll think upon it." Tarik smiled grimly. "And think what you risk in losing the grail, if it's not a myth."
Kadar nodded slowly. "A fair trade."
But he didn't want to consider those possibilities, he realized as he left the terrace. Tarik was right: He had been trying to avoid thinking about anything but the ways and means of accomplishing what Selene needed. He knew the reason he had instantly rejected the promise of Eshe was that he had known the idea held a fascination for him. It piqued his curiosity, and that had always been the goad setting him into motion. The chance to learn, to probe, to become more than when he started.
But he must not be caught by that lure. His entire attention must be devoted to helping Selene, not thinking of a clearly impossible--
But in helping Selene, he had made a promise to Tarik. That promise had virtually forced him to think of the possibility, the alluring myth.
Oh, yes.
He plunged eagerly into the wondrous territory of the impossible.
______
"It took you long enough. It's the middle of the afternoon." Selene threw open the door. "You could have persuaded God to make another world in this time."
"It might have taken a little bit longer than that." Kadar entered the chamber. "Though if I truly brought all my powers of persuasion to bear, it could--"
"What happened?"
"Tarik is going to consider it." He held up his hand. "I don't think there's a doubt that he'll do it."
"There's always doubt until he agrees. It couldn't have taken this long. Why didn't you come and tell me sooner?"
"I was busy."
"Doing what?"
"I took a long walk."
"A walk? And you let me wait for--" Her gaze narrowed on his face. It was almost without expression, and yet she was aware of something just beneath the surface. Excitement. It was the same excitement she had seen on his face the night before they had arrived at Sienbara. "What's happened?"
"Nothing."
"Then why do you look--"
"It has nothing to do with Nasim. And that's the only subject in which you're interested, isn't it?"
He was wrong. She was intensely interested in whatever had stirred that excitement. But it was clear he wasn't going to share it. She smothered her disappointment and nodded. "That's the only thing that's important right now."
He smiled. "You're sure?"
"Of course I'm sure. When will we know?"
"Tomorrow evening."
