" I had a lousy night." I had a lousy night. Restless, sleepless, nightmares. I was going to lose one of my children unless I took the appropriate course of action. I got up and jumped into the shower, looking at my reflecting in the mirror opposite the showerhead. I stared at it as the steam began to fill the bathroom. "Well, Shardik," I said quietly to my reflection, "This is a big one. Do I have the courage of my convictions, or do I let despair take Jhan?" "Do you have an answer?" Halloran asked. "Yes. Please ask Jhan to come to my home tonight, an hour after shadowfall. Will he show up?" "I predict it is unlikely that Jhan will not show up." "In other words, you think he will." "In other words, yes." The knock came at the door. I opened the door slowly. Jhan stood there, looking a little befuddled. "Come in." "Thank you." He walked in slowly and looked around. I had turned off all the lights; the large living room was entirely lit with several dozen candles, all long-burning. I had arranged cushions everywhere, and a small, low table for eating while kneeling was in one corner. |