#scarsdale

"She said you suggested she ask me to be your assistant?"

"Well, we talked about the idea, and it made sense to me."

"ah..."

"I mean, until summer I'm in KC more often than EarthRunes. We could work together to get the library into shape, and we could start adding to the collection now...."

"Are you going to stay in school?"

"Oh, yes. I'll pick up again in Jefferson City. There are colleges there."

"Oh...."

"Well. I will help. You know you only ever need ask, vershtay?"

"Do you have time in your schedule for a regular weekend date?"

"Mmm... weekends are tricky. Sundays, maybe."

"I trust you." He says simply. "Mass only takes about two hours, with travel time."

"Come anytime, but if we could make time for each other, and the library, on Sundays... I'd really love that."

"I miss you, too."

"Come to Kansas City anytime during the week, let me know and I'll meet you at Firnost or you can come to the house. And Sundays, at the library."

"Okay."

"Coradel only meant to offer you something we both thought you'd like, Zara."

"It... I can see that."

"But...."

"But?"

"But I don't want to leave home. Not yet."

"Especially not now. Not until everyone is safe."

"Has there been further word? Or actions?"

"She..."

Quiet. Very quiet.

He waits.

"Golnaz has indicated she will target Mama next."

"-What?-" Hard, intense, and she knows his eyes have gone steeley.

"I'm watching her."

"Of course." Firmly. "I think your Uncles put wards on the house? Can they put wards on her?"

"They did, and I don't know..."

"I'm sure if Master Hirim can, he will. She's his sister, after all."

"I'd be happy to come and stand guard, if you like. I'm sure Earl would join me, and maybe..." He trails off, thinking.

"1122 is going with her when she heads out."

He nods. "1122 will keep her safe."

"Or at least help me find her. I've got some of her hair, of course..."

"Sure."

"I don't want to kill her, you know."

There's a long pause.

"Wait. What?"

"Golnaz."

"I don't. I don't know how to stop her, either."

"OH." She can almost hear him shifting paradigms without a clutch.

"Invite her to meet, and overwhelm her with a mass of force and magic?"

"Send a champion?"

"I don't really have combat magic. Who kills with soothsaying?"

She can imagine him shrugging "I bet it's possible. Not by me, of course."

"I wouldn't ask you to kill!"

"Asking, that's the same as doing - isn't it?"

"No." Evenly. "Asking is one thing, and it may be wrong. -Doing-... that is taking action, with intent."

"I think it's wrong."