“If I understand correctly, Fan Wen-yan refused to promulgate a prophecy that would have destroyed China as a unified power,” said Arina. “I did something similar with a prophecy about Russia. Unfortunately”—a note of genuine sorrow appeared in her voice—“I didn’t have the wits to die and halt the prophecy completely. I only delayed it. But the Twilight needs Power. And it will get it—when our country perishes.”

“That’s your opinion,” I said. “I don’t think that sort of thing happens because of causes that are . . . let’s call them mystical. It’s not the invention of the miniskirt, you know! Gesar believes that you really did change the prophecy, and that’s why everything foretold in it has already happened—but in a mild form. The revolutions, and the occupations . . .”

“I wish I could agree with the old intriguer,” said Arina. “But where’s the guarantee?”

“Where’s the guarantee that Nadya can destroy the Tiger?” I asked. “The incoherent exclamations of a third-year schoolboy? Highly convincing! And what will happen if the Twilight is killed? Will magic simply disappear? Or will it be the end of life on Earth? Or the end of reason? Do you understand how it’s all arranged? I don’t! And the old programmer’s law says: ‘If it works, don’t touch it!’ ”

Arina didn’t answer.

“And just why have you decided that the Twilight is an enemy?” I went on. “And that it’s in some way involved in realizing the prophecies? Don’t get your apples and oranges mixed up. Say my daughter does go and destroy the Tiger. And the Twilight with it. Magic disappears. But the prophecies remain the same as they were. They come true. Do you understand? What then? We won’t even be able to do the little bit that we can do now! Because we’ll have become ordinary human beings!”

“I’d like to believe Gesar,” said Arina. “And you, too. But what if I’m right? What lies behind your words, Anton? Genuine anxiety for people? For peace, for our country, for your nearest and dearest? Or simply the fear of a magician living his own special, interesting, comfortable life? The fear of losing his abilities and becoming like everyone else!”

“Permit me to remind you,” I said, unable to stop myself, “that if you lose your abilities, you’ll be transformed into a decrepit old woman. Or disintegrate completely, into dust.”

“Yes,” Arina said in a quiet voice. “You’re right. But that has nothing to do with the case. I’m prepared to pay that price.”

“Well, I’m not! And in particular I’m not prepared to decide for others. For Sveta. For Nadya. For Kesha. For all the Others who exist and will exist.”

“But you’ll have to, won’t you, Anton?” Arina said with just a hint of a threat.