"Afraid? No—but I am thinking we always know when we enter such places—never when we shall leave them."
"How? Did I not say to-morrow night?"
"But if you should not come for me?"
"What profit would your death be to me? Where shall I find another wizard to bring to foretell the death of another Alberic?"
Tristan gave an audible gasp at these words. He felt his limbs grow numb. Had his ears heard aright? Surely they had not. Some demon had mocked him, to drive him mad. Ere he could regain his mental balance, the voice of the Grand Chamberlain's companion again struck his ear.
"But if you should not come, my lord?"
"You could scream!"
"What would that avail?"
"Mind you—I might have to stay here myself for sheltering such a patriarch as you."
"Nevertheless—to guard against all risks—leave the door open—"