“You’ll stay here where it’s safe,” Kennon said flatly.
“I’m going with you,” Copper repeated. “I don’t want to live without you.”
“I tell you I won’t be hurt. And one quick look isn’t going to bother whatever’s down there.”
“That’s what Roga the Foolish said when he opened Lyssa’s tower. But he brought men to Flora. And your little look may bring an even greater calamity.”
Kennon shrugged, and started Walking toward the crater’s edge.
Copper followed.
He turned to order her back, but the words died on his tips as he saw the terror and determination on her face. Neither commands nor pleas would move her. If he went she would follow. The only way he could stop her would be with violence, and he didn’t want to manhandle her. He felt an odd mixture of pride, tenderness, and admiration for her. Were their situations reversed, he doubted whether he would have the courage she was showing. He sighed. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps he did need an antiradiation suit.
“All right,” he said. “You win. I’ll get some protective clothing and look at it later.”
Her knees sagged, but he caught her before she fell, and held her erect until her strength returned. Belatedly he understood the emotional strain that had been gripping her. “If you come back later, sir, you’ll take me with you.” The words were a statement, not a question.
He nodded. “Providing you wear a radiation suit,” he said.