The colors on the historian's face warmed like sunshine leaking into a cloudy sky. "You called yourself a 'rememberer' of human epics, one of the few men who know your species' ancient poems and story cycles. I have read some of the stories translated by human scholars long ago, but I felt in them only a detached academic air. No depth of feeling, no exuberance in your own history.

"But your message contained a true heart and understanding of how those ancient tales spoke to the soul of the human race. You seemed to have a spiritual connection to the true drama of history. I thought that perhapsyou would understand ourSaga. "

From a hill, they stared at the Prism Palace, a breathtaking structure that, by comparison, made King Peter's Whisper Palace look like a mere outbuilding. Spheres and domes, spires and connecting walkways, rose high into the sky, encircled by the radiating spokes of seven inward-flowing rivers.

Vao'sh seemed to enjoy his companion's amazement. "Since I am the Mage-Imperator's prime rememberer, I live within the Prism Palace. You will share the facility with me." Anton found himself speechless, which amused Vao'sh. "Come now, a storyteller who is awestruck to the point of silence is of no use to anyone, Anton Colicos."

"Sorry."

"You and I will learn much from each other, day after day."

Anton smiled. "See, there's another question. On my journey here, I heard Ildirans talking about days, weeks. How can you even measure time like that, on a world with seven suns in the sky? What does a 'day' mean to you when it's always daylight?"

"It is simply a convention, converted into your Trade Standard language. We have diurnal cycles, active and resting, just like humans, with approximately the same length. I could give you the Ildiran words and precise chronological equivalents if you like... but it would be easier if you just thought of your own familiar terms. There is so much to learn, why become mired in trivialities?"

"Oh, I could tell you stories about some of my colleagues obsessed with trivialities like that. Can't see the forest for the trees, we say."

Vao'sh imitated Anton's pleased smile. "An interesting metaphor. I look forward to exchanging stories and techniques, since a rememberer must always increase his repertoire."

Anton continued to grin as they walked toward the Prism Palace. "I need to increase mine by about a billion lines' worth, I'd say."

With a pleased bow, Vao'sh said, "Let us start a bit smaller than that."

32

REYNALD

The primary fungus-reef complex perched high on the massive trunk of a worldtree, filled with thousands of occupants. Reynald's bronzed face was made sunny by a bright smile as he faced the colorful ruling chairs of Mother Alexa and Father Idriss. He didn't know whether to greet their decision with joy or trepidation, but it was not unexpected. They had been dropping hints for weeks.

"Understand, my son," said Alexa with a sweet smile, "you are well prepared for this responsibility. What better time could there be?"