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you should not be concerned about how
frightening
he is, or how
chilling
he appears. Give him time, Landis. Then we will see if Ustarte was gifted or demented.”
    “We have had this conversation before,” said Landis with a wry smile. “Always you find a way to cast doubt on the prophecy.”
    “As I recall the Blessed Priestess left a book of
many
prophecies.”
    “Ah, but that is unfair, Gamal. You know that they were not
prophecies
in the real sense. She said that there were many futures, and gave examples of how those futures might be shaped. Her prophecy concerning Skilgannon was altogether different.”
    “The principle remains the same, Landis. The Priestess saw many futures. She was unable to distinguish between what
would
be and what
could
be. I have no doubt that in her visions she saw the rise of the Eternal. Equally I have no doubt that she saw the return of Skilgannon as a means of combatting the Eternal. But don’t you see, Landis, that it still remains one of
many
futures. Nothing in life is certain.”
    Landis sighed. “I
need
to believe in the prophecy, Gamal. And you know why.” Rising from his chair, he walked to the edge of the balcony, staring out over the mountains. “All the while it was a dream it burned bright in my heart and my mind. I did not doubt it for a second. Now that the reality is here it seems . . . lessened. I thought to bring back a mighty hero, a man of unconquerable spirit. Now I am beginning to feel like a fool.”
    “Well, don’t! Do not judge him yet, Landis. I saw him in the Void. I felt his power and the
unconquerable spirit
you speak of. There are beasts there more terrifying than any that walk this earth. Skilgannon faced them with courage. I think you will discover that the myths did not exaggerate his skills. And do not take too much notice of my cynicism. Like so many cynics I am a romantic at heart. I, too, would like to believe in the Blessed Priestess and her prophecy. I, too, would like to see the Eternal humbled, and the rebel armies disbanded. So let us concentrate on all that is positive. Skilgannon is reborn. That is the first miracle. We must now help him to restore his memory. Memories are what make us who we are, Landis. They are the building blocks of our souls.”
    Landis relaxed a little. “So much rests upon him. It frightens me.”
    “It no longer frightens me,” said Gamal. “Perhaps that is a gift of mortality.”
    “Why will you not let me revive you? I could give you another thirty years of perfect health. You know this. I still do not understand this yearning for death.”
    Gamal chuckled. “I am content, Landis. I have lived many full lives. Too many. Now I find myself content with increasing frailty. Even my blindness is, in some ways, a blessing. I think my death will be, too.”
    “But we need you, Gamal. Humanity needs you.”
    “You put too great a store in my talents. Now, tell me how Harad is faring.”
    Landis leaned back in his chair. “He is strong—stronger than any man I have ever known. He seems to be enjoying his work. But he is short tempered and still prone to sudden violence. People avoid him, and he has no friends.” He glanced at the old blind man. “You think it is time for Skilgannon to meet him?”
    “No. Not yet. But very soon.” Gamal fell silent, and Landis believed him to have fallen asleep. As quietly as he could, Landis levered himself upright. Gamal sighed. “It is not too late, Landis,” he said. “There is still time for you to change your mind.”
    “Skilgannon is here now. I cannot put his bones back in the casket.”
    “That is not what I meant. I am talking of the
other
Reborn. What you are doing is more than foolish, Landis. It will bring ruin upon all you have built here.”
    Landis sank back in his chair. “How long have you known?”
    “Almost from the moment I arrived here in the summer. I saw her face in your thoughts. I could scarce believe that any man who knew the Eternal could be