“Of course,” Nira said. “It’s supposed to be the longest epic ever recorded. It would take years and years just to read it.”

“Years and years would not allow you to absorb even a fraction of it,” Otema said. “Reynald received permission for two green priests to study the Saga. We can read it, document it, tell the stories to the treelings we bring along with us. The Saga is far too long for any person to absorb in a single lifetime.”

Nira gasped and then covered her mouth. Her throat went dry.

“Since my duties on Earth were completed, Father Idriss and Mother Alexa have searched for a task to keep me busy. I’ve been away from the worldforest for too long, and I don’t intend just to sit and water treelings.”

Nira jumped ahead. “Are you traveling to Ildira?”

“Not alone, child. It is an enormous task, and Reynald was granted permission to send two green priests.” Otema’s face brightened. “Nira, I would like to request you as my personal assistant, companion, and apprentice. We will journey together

to Ildira under the light of seven suns.”

Nira’s family could barely believe their daughter’s good fortune, though it took some time for her news to sink in. Her parents, Garris and Meena Khali, had never thought much about other worlds; the thick forest on Theroc already extended farther than their imaginations did.

Nira had trouble comprehending that she would cross the Spiral Arm to the capital of an immense alien empire. She would be gone from Theroc for years, away from the forests, away from other green priests, away from her family. But she had been practicing her telink abilities: As long as she could touch a treeling, she could remain in contact with the entirety of the worldforest. She had no reason to be afraid, only excited.

Nira shared a meal with her family in their cramped living quarters. Garris wanted to call all the neighbors inside the crowded worm-hive rooms so they could wish Nira farewell. It would be a great celebration, a happy opportunity for socializing. But Nira, panicked at the prospect of having to face such a gathering, pleaded that she had too much business to take care of before her departure. The merchant ship would be arriving within a day to take them to Ildira.

Grinning, she looked from the worn and tired face of her mother to the broad, jowly smile of her father. “However, I did request one favor for you. I have a surprise before I go.”

With the flush of new importance she’d achieved by being chosen to accompany Otema, Nira had sent a message to Father Idriss and Mother Alexa. The old ambassador had added her approval. Nira had received word back today that her application had been heartily approved.