;I.M A
籿 PROLOGUE
"BE AT EASE, HAPLO. COME IN AND MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE.
Sit down. There are no formalities between us.
"Allow me to fill your glass. We drink what was once called the stirrup cup, a salute to your long journey.
"You like the port? Ah, my talents are many and manifold, as you know, but I begin to think that only time梟ot magic?can produce a truly fine port. At least that's what the old books teach. I've no doubt our ancestors were right about that ... no matter how wrong they were in other things. There is something about the drink I miss, a warmth, a mellowness that comes with age. This port is too harsh, too aggressive. Fine qualities in men, Haplo, but not in wine.
"So, you are prepared for your journey? Is there any need or want I can satisfy? Say so, and it's yours. Nothing?
"Ah, I do envy you. My thoughts will be with you every moment, waking and sleeping. Another salute. To you, Haplo, my emissary to an unsuspecting world.
"And they must not suspect. I know we've been over this before, but I want to stress this again. The danger is great. If our ancient enemy catches even the slightest hint that we've escaped their prison, they will move land, sea, sun, and sky梐s they did once梩o thwart us. Sniff them out, Haplo. Sniff them out as that dog of yours sniffs out a rat, but never let them catch a whiff of you.
"Let me refill your glass. Another salute. This one to the Sartan. You hesitate to drink. Come. I insist. Your rage is your strength. Use it, it will give you energy. Therefore . . .
"To the Sartan. They made us what we are.
"How old are you, Haplo? You have no idea?
"I know梩ime has no meaning in the Labyrinth. Let me think. When I first saw you, you looked to be just over twenty-five years. A long life for those of the Labyrinth. A long life, and one that had almost ended.
"How well I remember that time, five years ago, I was about to reenter the Labyrinth when you emerged. Bleeding, barely able to walk, dying. Yet you looked up at me with an expression桰 will never forget it桾riumph! You had escaped. You had beaten them. I ;I.M A