Khizara

“Would you like to review my report? You’ll see it indicates that circumstances dictate a higher level of our involvement.”

“You mince words. Our involvement is most certainly not what you intend. I sometimes wonder why you bother to report at all.” The aged warrior breathed heavily and waved his hand in the air at his visitor’s protestations. “No, no, no. I understand your motives, perhaps better than you do yourself. And I do trust your observations. You may be right. I would say that the time has come for you to become more personally involved, but you’ve already done that.”

“Sir, I have only done what …”

“You have only done what you have deemed necessary. I know. I’ve heard the litany before. It is overused and not necessary now, and has all led here.” The older man stood with a surprising ease and elasticity for one who appeared so ancient. “I understand it would have happened eventually. But trust me, I also understand that it would not have happened now without a fair degree of, how did you put it, involvement.”

“Better now than later. You know that.”

“Do I? Do you?” He carefully kept himself between his younger companion and the candlelight, speaking quietly. “Truly, do you? Our directive is to monitor and guide, not to create. Don’t dismiss that lightly.” He sighed, “And I know I’ve overused that litany. So, we’re even. Well, that’s no longer relevant. I believe you have several circumstances at critical points. Do what you must, but carefully.”