voice testing

[ninegates]

There's no good time for me to leave Belisaere. But I suppose if there aren't yet two children to leave behind as well as a husband and a kingdom, that's some small solace. Already I understand what Father meant about not being a good parent. It seems almost irresponsible to think of having a family. Yet there must one day be another Abhorsen - to say nothing of continuing the royal line.

I'm not sure how that will happen if I'm somewhere else, or what you think I'll do while I'm there. My duties make me who I am. Without them, what am I? A slightly more responsible necromancer?

And I see so little of Touchstone as it is. I don't see how he'll be "fine" without me or "won't notice I'm gone." That the distortion of time between worlds would be that immense ... I'm not the right person to take. Everyone has their obligations and lives to live, but this isn't right.

Comments

[bindsthedead]

There are Dead in other worlds, though- and stranger things beside. My- our duties do not end when we leave the Old Kingdom.

[ninegates]

They don't carry quite the same weight. We're needed at home, not in other worlds, where there's no Charter and the Dead are strange. Even if no time passes while I'm away, time will pass for me, and we only have so much of our life to give. The kingdom is just getting back on its feet ...

[bellbound]

Worried about doing the royal duty?

[ninegates]

I do hope you're not here to lecture me on the process. That said, it's nice to see you awake.

[bellbound]

I wouldn't dream of it. It's one of the few things you Abhorsens manage well enough by yourselves.

[ninegates]

[Dryly...] Well, that's a fascinating insight into the family history. I don't suppose you could be cajoled into more? Perhaps along other lines?

[bellbound]

I was merely observing your ancestors' ability to continue your line. Just when you think one Abhorsen has passed through the Ninth Gate without a heir, some nephew, niece or distant cousin turns up, and so the family history goes on.