Kondor wasted no time contacting Zeke.  Even before they reached their room he was telling Leah that he would be trying to reach him, and he was already reaching out with his mind as he entered the bedroom and sought a place to sit.

Zeke!  Zeke!  Are you there?

It took a moment, but his friend’s thoughts came back to him.  I’m here.  What’s cookin’?

There might be a war.  Anyway, the day after tomorrow I’m leading an infantry unit from here to some place called Esai, because some nation called the Copts is threatening to attack them and they sent an emissary asking the Caliphate for help.

So, you’re going to go fight them?

Actually, there’s a General Meshach who is leading the cavalry unit tomorrow; I’m his advisor and second in command, and I’ll be leading the infantry the next day, because it takes longer to get them ready, apparently.

So what should I do?

Mohammed has dispatched a messenger to the Caliph; I suspect that there’s going to be a general mobilization soon enough.  I’d like to have you with me, if you can make it.  You should probably tell the Amir there what’s happening.  Anyway, I’ll understand if he wants you there, but if you can make it I’ll get you a horse.

There was a moment of silence, and then Zeke came back.  Sounds good.  I can target the bedroom I was staying in when I was there.

Good, Kondor thought, and then, no, not good.  Oh.  I’m afraid we redecorated.  Maybe if you use the clairvoyance to study it first, or you might want to pick another target.

There was another pause, and then Zeke came back, You redecorated my room?!?

Kondor laughed aloud, but knew Zeke couldn’t hear him.  Well, we needed a practice room for our self-defense workouts.

Uh-huh.  I’ve heard about those.

Kondor blushed.  Yeah, I guess people have heard about them.  But we really do work out.  Anyway, let me know if you’re coming.

Oh, I’m sure I’m coming.  I’ll let you know when.  Should I bring anything?

My advice is usually bring everything.  You never know whether you’re going to be able to go back for it.

Makes sense.  Talk to you soon.

So that was settled.  He turned to Leah.  “Zeke is coming,” he said.  “He’ll give a shout before he does.”

She nodded.  “What should I bring?”

“Think of it this way.  It is possible that we will leave this world entirely and go to another.  Pack absolutely everything you would want to take with you when you don’t know where you’re going, but try to keep it to not more than you can carry.”

“Yes, like that makes sense.”

“Nothing about this makes much sense,” he said, “but that’s the best advice I can give you.”

There is a behind-the-writings look at the thoughts, influences, and ideas of this chapter, along with twenty other sequential chapters of this novel, in mark Joseph "young" web log entry #452:  Versers Ready.  Given a moment, this link should take you directly to the section relevant to this chapter.  It may contain spoilers of upcoming chapters.

As to the old stories that have long been here:

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