"And before the beginning of life?"
"Difficult, Elis. We think (there are other theories) that each star with planets was once two—a binary, our astronomers called it—"
Someone thin and small came near to Paul, speaking delicately, in an extremity of pain, and not to him. "Nisana," Pakriaa said. "Nisana—"
Nisana was looking up, a little afraid, uncertain. "Princess?"
"Only Pakriaa.... Nisana—I saw how you spoke to the Vestoian, how she was quiet. If you will bring her—and Tejron too? And we go and listen—Tocwright is talking about the stars—the world—I think, maybe, we tell her what he says? Will you come with me, Nisana?"
