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hair. “I wish your assignment wasn’t so far away. I like you close by.”
    “It’s one planet away. Come and visit any time.”
    “Of course, I will.” She smiled. “Do you have it?”
    Davi gave her an inquisitive look. “What, mother? The necklace?”
    She nodded as he pulled the chain over his collar and let it dangle on his chest. The necklace was round and silver colored with a blue-green crest at its center. The four sections of the crest bore distinct images: laborers, soldiers, farmers, and priests.
    “Perhaps you could leave it with me for safe keeping—a remembrance of my son to comfort me in your absence,” she said, stroking it.
    “You know how much it’s always meant to me. It’s one of the first gifts you ever gave me.”
    “I know, son, but so many things can happen out in the field. If you lost it …”
    “I won’t lose it, mother.” She’d always been very protective of the necklace, but she’d never before asked him to give it up. Davi was puzzled by the sudden change, increasing his worry.
    “I would feel better if I had it with me,” she said, sniffling a bit.
    “But you’ve always insisted I wear it. I don’t understand. Are you so worried I won’t come back?” Davi looked into her eyes, wishing he could find the words to ease her worry.
    Miri rushed into his arms, embracing him. “Never say that! I can’t bear it!” She held him tight, her voice cracking.
    “I’m sorry, mother. It was supposed to be a joke!” Davi held her, trying to reassure her.
    “Never joke about such things,” she said with tenderness. “I love you, son.”
    “I love you, too, mother.” He would miss these times with her when they were apart. Tears flowed from her eyes. Davi stood there and held her a while, the necklace pressed against his chest by her embrace.
    O O O
    The small temple attached to the Palace was empty, as expected, when Miri led Davi through the Royal family’s secret tunnels. As instructed, a priest had prepared libations and vestments and left them at the altar for the Royal family’s use. Davi couldn’t remember the last time he’d been here, and he knew his mother didn’t come often either. But today, she had insisted they offer prayers and tribute for his safety and success before his departure, and so they’d come.
    The priests kept the temple clean, free of dust and other odors, though Davi’s nose did detect the few types of incense that had been burned recently in tribute. The altar consisted of a small, marble platform with a triple staircase leading up to it, all broad and wide with overarching ceilings as befit one coming into the presence of higher beings.
    Miri led him straight to the altar and knelt, motioning for Davi to her side as she began putting on one of the two ornate robes in preparation for their offering.
    Davi put on the other then knelt beside her and joined her in the traditional recitations that preceded any proper offering. “Nehes, nehes, nehes, Nehes em hotep, Nehes em neferu. Nebet hotepet. Weben em hotep …” Together, they recited the ancient words any Boralian learned from birth, and Davi gently lifted the carafe of red wine, holding it ready for when Miri wanted it.
    Miri’s recitation sounded sincere and passionate, but Davi had enough trouble remembering the words that he couldn’t quite manage to muster even a semblance of emotion in support of his mother. But she didn’t look at him or offer comment.
    After the opening indroit, Miri accepted the carafe and launched into specific prayers, asking the gods for wisdom, strength, courage, and protection for Davi. She poured the libations on a small dish she’d set centered on the altar cloths, her eyes closed and head bowed, and Davi bowed similarly, but kept his eyes open. He had long ago given up devotion to his people’s religion, which seemed far more like silly ritual to him than anything profoundly spiritual or connected to another realm. He just didn’t feel