Chapter 3
Part 1
“Okay. What will the border look like, from inside and from outside? And what’ll happen to people and
animals that try to cross it? And will those of you who are casting it be able to follow what’s happening
inside it, ormunicate into it?”
“The border will not be detectable to any mortal or animal.” Falgaroth answered. “The area of the time-
bubble should have the same conditions on all sides surrounding it. It can be surrounded by forest or
grasnd or desert, so long as the terrain is simr on all sides. An ind would be perfect. Those who
look into the time-bubble from outside it will see what is on the opposite side. Those who try to cross
the border will be undetectably transported to the opposite side.
Those who look over the border from inside will see a convincing illusion of what is outside, adjusted
for time of day and season. Any who try to pass over the border from inside will meet an invisible and
imprable barrier.
“Truly, it will be aplex working to maintain it for the two month period. We will have to affect the
mind of any who are transported across it, to hide the geographical inconsistency, and there are many
otherpensations to be taken care of.
“And, while it is theoretically possible that we who are casting the time-bubble could indeed observe
andmunicate with those within, it is very doubtful that we will. Either task would require a
considerable expenditure of concentration that is better used elsewhere.”
“So you’re saying we’d better be damned sure we’ve got everything we could possibly need, because
we won’t be able to get any help or resupply for twenty-four years.” Mark said, partly pre-upied as
he considered the preparations they would have to make.
“That is correct.” Falgaroth confirmed.
“Sheramiv is adjusting our schedule and preparing for our absence.” Talia reported. “She’s not terribly
happy about it,rgely because she knows how many others are going to be unhappy about it, but we
can’t please everyone all the time, I suppose.”
“No, but you can please me by inviting us to be part of your isted littlemunity.” Dalia giggled as
she hugged Bezedil with one arm.
“Certainly sister. It would be hard to be apart from you for twenty-four years.” Talia told her with a smile,
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then looked to her parents. “I hope you can join us as well, though I understand if you cannot, due to
your duties.”
“I don’t see why not.” Yazadril stated as he rubbed his chin and considered the question. “The
conspiracy is dealt with, we won’t be dealing with the demons for at least a year, and things have
stabilized nicely in Serminak,rgely due to the efforts of Povon and Kragorram. And as I’ve said
before, The High People require very little governing.”
“Of course we’ll join you!” Nemiaughed as she hugged Yazadril with her right arm and Hilsith with her
left. “I am certainly not going to miss my grandchildren’s childhood!”
“Kragorram and I will join you as well, if we may?” Povon inquired. “We’ve already rebuilt and improved
Zarkog’s system in Serminak, and if Zarkog could take months off at a time for astronomy, we can
certainly take two months to have some children, and to enjoy more of Karzog’s childhood.”
“You certainly may!” Mark chuckled.
“Of course we muste too!” Equemev dered. “We have already nned that our children should
be friends in their childhood years, and I think it will be wonderful!”
“I would very much appreciate being included as well.” Alilia added.
“All right. Who else should we ask?” Talia asked Mark.
“The Hilian volunteers will all want toe, I’m sure, and some of The Atoned will too.” Mark
thoughtfully replied. “And I’d like to invite other elf and human mixed couples, like maybe Dulyamil and
Meri, so our kids aren’t the only half-elven, half-human kids around. And I’d like to invite any of my
family from Finitra that want toe, and your family from The Nine Valleys. And some of our buddies
from Norka’s in Latrel.”
“I’d like to invite Theramin and Yzell.” Talia mused. “We’ll be amunity dedicated to having children,
and she’s the world’s finest midwife. And Theramin is a wonderful elf in all respects, as well as being
one of the finest horticultural wizards and a premier shape-shifter.”
“We should just invite everyone we know on a personal basis. Including all of you here today.”
“Thank you, but I believe I speak for Tithian when I say that our duties would not allow such a sudden
and prolonged absence.” Somonik said, and Tithian added her psionic agreement.
“And I would join you, but my romance with Somonik here is really getting quite good now, so I will also
decline.” Grakonexikaldoron exined.
“Thank you for the offer.” Amirgath chuckled. “But for a god, being limited to the interior of a small time-
bubble for twenty-four years would be more than a bit restricting.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Quewanak thoughtfully stated. “I think I’ll ept.”