Still, no matter what else, his father Scharde would never abandon the search. His route should be simple to follow, but what of that? Even if Scharde arrived at the seminary, and was invited by Zaa to make a search, and thus discovered Zonk's Tomb, Glawen knew that before such a time, another body would have joined the white conclave at the bottom of the pool.

Meanwhile, Glawen tried to maintain both his physical fitness and his morale. He spent much time each day at calisthenics, running endless laps around the room, jumping up and kicking at the wall in a contest with himself, walking on his hands, turning handsprings. The exercise became an obsession: an ocupation which he used as a substitute for thinking; every day he crowded more and more effort into his waking hours.

Sixty days passed. Glawen found difficulty in remembering the outside world. Reality was the volume and extent of Zonk's Tomb. Lucky Glawen Clattuc! Thousands of tourists came to Tassadero in search of this hole in the rock which he knew so well! And it came to him, in a sudden instant of clarity, that Zaa had been totally generous with her information not because she trusted him, but because when he had performed all the services of which he was capable, his silence would be ensured by the most definite and final of means. When Zaa so casually had identified the cave as Zonk's Tomb, she had as much as assured him that she planned his death.

On the sixtieth day, the lower door opened. Funo stood in the doorway.

"Come."

Glawen gathered up his papers and followed. Funo took him as before up two flights of stairs and to the room he had occupied before. The door closed. Glawen climbed up on the chair: his bundle of clothes and the spare sheets were as before.

There were sounds at the door. Glawen jumped down, just as Mutis threw open the door.

"Come! You must bathe yourself."

Glawen submitted to a sanitary shower and a rinse of cold water. Mutis ignored Glawen's new growth of hair.

"Dress in proper garments, then go to your chamber."

Without comment Glawen obeyed. Upon his return to the chamber the door was closed and presumably locked. On the table Glawen discovered his usual supper, which he ate without appetite. Presently Mutis came to take the empty pots.

The time was now evening. The misty lavender afterglow had left the sky; through the windows came starlight from the far flow of Mircea's Wisp.

Half an hour passed. Glawen remained at the table, sorting through the papers he had brought with him. The door opened;

Lito came slowly into the room, looking neither right nor left. Glawen assessed her with interest. She wore white trousers, a tan-gray blouse and

sandals. The entire effect of her being had altered; she was barely recognizable as the pale big-eyed creature Glawen had met before. Her hair had grown into a crop of loose chestnut curls, framing a face which now seemed thin and fragile rather than gaunt and which perhaps through time spent in the open had taken on a dusky tan color. She seemed pensive and composed; Glawen could divine nothing more of her mood.

Lilo came slowly forward. Glawen rose to his feet. She halted and asked: "Why do you stare at me?"

"From surprise. You seem a different person."

Lilo nodded.

"I feel a different person someone with whom I am not yet familiar."

"Are you pleased with the change?"

"I'm not sure. Do you think I should be?"

"Certainly. You seem normal almost. In any city no one would look twice at you except perhaps to admire you."

Lilo shrugged.

"It was a change which I was ordered to make.

I was afraid I would seem grotesque or garish or vulgar."

"Small chance of that."

"Do you know why I am here?"

"I can guess."

"I am embarrassed."

Glawen gavea short laugh.

"Embarrassment is a luxury now beyond my reach. I have forgotten that such an emotion exists."

Lilo spoke in a troubled voice: "It is not necessary to think such thoughts. What must be done must be done. And so I am here."

Glawen reached out and took her hands.

"I suppose Mutis is watching through a spy hole."

"No. The walls are solid rock. Spy holes are not possible."

"I'm glad to hear that, at least. Well, then, let's get on with it."

Glawen led her to the cot. Lilo hung back.

"I think I'm frightened."

"There's nothing to fear. Just relax."

Lilo followed Glawen's instructions, and the event went without unforeseen incident. Glawen asked: "So now what is your opinion of Duality?"

Lilo pressed as close to him as- possible.

"I don't -know how to explain. I am probably thinking wrong thoughts."

"How so?"

"I don't want to share you with the others."

"Others? How many others?"

"About twelve. Zaa will come tomorrow, if all has gone well tonight."

"You are expected to report to her?"

"Naturally. She is waiting in her office."

"Will you tell her once again that I am an erotic maniac?"

Lilo was puzzled.