"
That, as nearly as I can remember it," concluded Kellen, "is the message. The man who brought it died almost before he had finished.
"That is the message. You are the man we have picked to accept their challenge. Remember, though, that there are but the four of us in this room. There are but four of us who know these things. If you for any reason do not wish to accept this mission, there will be none to judge you, least of all, any one of us, who know best of all the perils."
"You say, sir," I said quietly, although my heart was pounding in my throat, and roaring in my ears, "that there would be none to judge me.
"Sir, there would be myself. There could be no more merciless judge. I am honored that I have been selected for this task, and I accept the responsibility willingly, gladly. When is it your wish that we should start?"
The three presiding members of the Council glanced at each other, faintly smiling, as though they would say, as Kellen had said a short time before: "Youth! Youth!" Yet I believe they were glad and somewhat proud that I had replied as I did.
"You may start," said Kellen, "as soon as you can complete the necessary preparations. Detailed instructions will be given you later."
He bowed to me, and the others did likewise. Then Kellen picked up his menore and adjusted it.
The interview was over.