Part 7 (1/2)

”The blue box. By the astrolabe.”

She groped, grabbing pens, papers, books, the box. Inside was the small syringe and the ampules; fitting one on carefully, she brought it to him.

”Shall I ...?”

He smiled gently.”No. I can manage.”

She brought the lamp closer; he rolled his sleeve up and she saw the innumerable scars around the vein. He made the injection carefully, the microinfuser barely touching the skin, and as he replaced it in the box, his voice was calm and steadier.

”Thank you, Claudia. And don't look so scared. This condition has been killing me for ten years and it's in no hurry. It will probably take another ten to finish me off.”

She couldn't smile. Times like this terrified her.

She said,”Shall I send someone ...?”

”No, no. I'll go to bed and sleep.”

Handing her the candle, he said,”Be careful how you go down the stairs.”

She nodded, reluctant, and crossed the room. At the door she stopped and turned. He stood as if he had been waiting for that, closing the box, the dark green of the Sapient coat with its high collar glinting with strange iridescence.

”Master, that letter. Do you know who it was written to?”

He looked up unhappily.”Yes. And it makes it even more urgent that we get into his study.”

The candle flickered as she breathed in dismay.”You mean ...”

”I'm afraid so, Claudia. The Queen's letter was addressed to your father.”

5.

There was a man and his name was Sapphique. Where he came from is a mystery.

Some say he was born of the Prison, grown from its stored components.

Some say he came from Outside, because he alone of men returned there.

Some say he was not a man at all, but a creature from those s.h.i.+ning sparks lunatics see in dreams and name the stars.

Some say he was a liar and a fool.

--Legends of Sapphique ***