‘One of these days,’ Doc told him, ‘remind me to teach you how to play poker.’
Satu soon reached the Circle of Elders, but discovered that Elgar was absent. At Tam’s direction, she found Elgar at his home, speaking with Suvaii and Olwynn. The three were in conversation, seated at a table, he smoking a long, thin pipe from time to time. When Elgar became aware of her presence, however, he got to his feet and gave her his undivided attention.
‘Satu! What news?’
Fairly stumbling over her words, she told Elgar what she had seen on her foray, as well as her encounter with the strange old man, and the message he had charged her with.
‘And so it begins,’ said Olwynn solemnly, speaking to Elgar. ‘Do you still intend to aid them?’
Elgar smiled sardonically.
‘I cannot let them stand alone in their foolish bravery, now can I, old friend.’
Olwynn nodded. ‘They have risked much on our behalf, this day not the least. But I beg the stars to return you to us, safe and whole.’
Elgar smiled ambiguously and turned to Satu.
‘Twice, you have unerringly carried messages of great importance. Once more and I count you blessed, daughter of Amin who left us in search of the Earth Mother. Go now, and seek out Malina who dwells in Wel’adai. Tell her that I now leave you for a time in her care.’