I’ve been a libriomancer and a member of the Porters for longer than Isaac Vainio has been alive. As you know, I am also a bestselling and award-winning author. I’ve been a featured speaker and guest of honor at countless conventions. I was part of a science advisory panel for President Clinton.

In the old days, the Porters held storytellers in high esteem. Maybe that’s changed. Maybe the new council wants us to keep our heads down and follow orders like good little drones.

Setting aside false modesty, New Millennium needs the positive publicity I can provide. I’m sure Isaac is doing the best he can, but this is just one more instance of his inexperience and lack of judgment as a manager. I suppose it’s normal for someone his age to become enamored of the spotlight, and to try to keep the attention to himself. But allowing a fresh-faced libriomancer barely out of college to go to Washington D.C. to speak on behalf of New Millennium? Ye gods and little fishes, what was the council thinking?

I’ve attached a proposed tour schedule that would begin next month. I look forward to your prompt response.

Best,

Charles

—

Charles L. Brice, Science Fiction Author

Coming Next Month: Dark Wanderer, the newest book in the bestselling Dark Star Chronicles. Available for pre-order at Amazon and other retailers.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Speaking Tour

Wow. What a tool!

-V

Chapter 6

“History says you broke a contract to be married.”

“History is the world’s most egotistical gossip.”

“You worked so hard to preserve yourself, but you never mention anything about family. Were you protecting their privacy, or is it that you never had time?”

“Revolutionizing literature and magic leaves little time for anything more. Particularly for those of us who are so different. I’m practically another species. I had dalliances over the years, naturally, but none that survived more than a few weeks or months.”

“What about Ponce de Leon?”

“Every relationship is unique. Juan and I were colleagues first, then rivals. But as time passed, and we watched our friends and family grow old and die . . . our priorities shifted. Humanity struggles with change, and we were so very human back then. We each provided an anchor, a stable fixture in the other’s life. We needed one another far more than either of us would ever admit.”

“You kicked him out of the Porters. You banished him.”

“Lovers clash. Relationships evolve. I have no doubt we would have found one another again in time, as we started to do . . .”

“Did you ever consider leaving the Porters to be with him?”

“Oh, yes. Many times.”

“What stopped you?”

“Responsibility. Fear. Love.”

“Love stopped you from running off with Ponce de Leon?”