'She's already married to me, so I don't think it really counts,' Ray ruled, doing a backflip so he didn't have to hear Tory contest the matter.

But as he surfaced Tory grabbed hold of his braid to stop him going under again. 'Doesn't she remind you of someone?'

'Yes.' Ray wiped the water from his eyes. 'You.'

'No.' She hit him on the head playfully. 'Besides me.

Come on Ray, think.'

' I don't know.' He was immediately exasperated, having been trying to figure it out for days himself.

Tory sighed, disappointed by his lack of vision. 'I'll give you a hint. Imagine Annora was a brunette, with eyes of say, ebony.'

'Jesus.' He thrust backwards through the water as he realised. 'Rhiannon!'

'Very good.' Tory gave him a little clap.

'Oh, my God!' He covered his eyes, seized by panic.

'This is unbelievable!' He looked back to Tory, who seemed very calm about the whole affair. 'Aren't you even mildly concerned? She is your daughter after all.'

'Depends on your intentions, and whether or not I get my money.'

Then Ray got wise. 'You knew this was going to happen when you made that bet, didn't you?'

'I suspected,' she granted him, anticipating his next question. 'See, you and I have met before. At first, I didn't recognise Rhiannon as your soul mate -'

'Hold on a minute.' Ray was up in arms about her inference. 'You make it sound like it's inevitable that we'll end up together. She's just a girl!'

'I'm not saying anything ... else.' Tory stood, ready to go inside. 'I just thought you might want to know.

The matter has nothing more to do with me.'

'Well, thanks very much!' He had never met a woman who could get him so worked up. 'I'm beginning to think I should have taken my chances with the Agency.' He looked up at the cloudless sky as he waded out of the pool: 'As for you, there is no God. I am becoming an atheist.'

From that point on Ray couldn't look at Annora without seeing the girl he knew. Tory's promise to Turan was kept.

The arrangements proceeded according to plan and the parts and equipment were delivered to the site on Mt Dur-an-ki.

The other form of Atlantean technology that Tory decided was a must, was a half dozen 'Stormers'. These laser swords could convert into stun-guns, making them a handy item indeed.

Tory had left a message on Turan's computer, advising him as to the secret identity of her Atlantean counterpart. She had only to direct his attention to the information, then hopefully he'd live happily ever after.

As evening approached, the Shar arrived to escort Tory and Ray to Mt Dur-an-ki. Turan had transferred the chariot to the mountain plateau, so that once their cargo had been sent back to Myrddin's cave in Gwynedd, the time travellers could depart without further delay.

Tory and Ray were just saying their goodbyes to Annora, when there came an urgent rapping on her front door.

All four of them stood staring blankly at each other, unsure as to whether or not to be alarmed. As the knock was repeated, Annora ventured to answer it.

'Shar Jerram!' She backed up to let him in.

'Turan.' Jerram bounded through the door, pausing to catch his breath after the sprint he'd just made. 'Alaric is looking everywhere for you. He's requested your presence in father's room of court, right away.'

This was bad timing indeed, still Turan figured he should make haste to avoid suspicion. 'Go on without me, I'll meet you there.' He was out the front door, before Tory had the chance to say anything.

The Shar could not believe the inquisition that awaited him in the palace.

His father - the Shu Sar Absalom - Shar Alaric, and a couple of chief advisers, were seated around the arc-shaped table of court going over expenditure details.

Turan, at last! Absalom rose and motioned his son to take a seat before the council.

Turan did as indicated. Sorry I proved so hard to find.

Can I assist in some way?

Well, dear boy. We have just been revising your budget requirements for next semester, and quite frankly, Absalom sat back in his seat, we'd like to know what you're working on that could possibly require so grand an outlay of precious resources?

Turan had included all the parts of Tory's little bundle in his projection and hadn't thought twice about doing so, as his projections had always been accepted in the past. Since when am I expected to justify what I need for my research?

Since now, Alaric told him, bluntly. It is high time we stopped squandering what wealth we have so that we might save something for a time when things might be not so prosperous.

But you cannot deny me - We're not saying you can't have all that you've requested. Alaric cut in on his brother. We are merely asking that you explain what you need it for. If we think the project worthwhile, your needs will, of course, be met.

This is unprecedented! Turan stood. And a giant step backwards for the sciences. Father? Turan appealed.

Very soon Alaric will be assuming my position, so you may as well get used to dealing with him, Absalom ruled, though he hated to see his sons in disagreement. I believe these new measures we are introducing at Alaric's suggestion show a fair amount of foresight and are justified. Thus, I expect you to cooperate with these proceedings.

Really, Turan, I don't see what all the fuss is about. Just tell us what you are designing.

Alaric sat forward in his seat wearing a friendly smile, that seemed to Turan to be mocking him. I have been commissioned by the High Priestess, therefore I am not at liberty to disclose the details of the project. If you wish to know more, you shall have to take the matter up with the High Orders of Passage. He moved to take his leave.

Ah, not so fast. Alaric motioned his brother to again be seated, and sent a court official to fetch the High Priestess.

Ray marvelled at the large marble plateau of Mt Dur-an-ki, which was near one hundred and fifty feet around. He closely inspected one of the nine large hunks of polished quartz that were set in a circle around the edge of the Plateau. 'So this is what it looked like in its original form.'

'Indeed.' Tory paced back and forth, not really paying much attention to Ray's awe. She was too busy fretting that she wouldn't get to see Turan before they were obliged to depart.

The Priestess and her council had already sent the materials for the Goddess' conversion to twenty-first century Gwynedd without a hitch.

Tory had been disappointed to find that Taliesin was no longer present amongst the holy men. Apparently, shortly after her last visit, the Merlin had decided to return to his rightful home in sixth century Britain.

There he would set about re-shaping his homeland's history by bringing Tory into it.

'We should get going while the going is good.'

Strangely enough, Ray was anxious to see home.

'Please, just a little longer.' Her eyes were fixed on the doorway leading into the mountain face.

I believe your friend is right. You have no reason to delay. Temperance was also feeling anxious. She had nothing to hold over Tory any more, having fulfilled her end of the bargain.

If she argued the point, Tory felt that the holy woman would surely suspect her motive for delay. So she resigned herself to leaving Turan's destiny in the very capable hands of the universe. If the Shar overlooked or erased her message, then perhaps it really wasn't meant to be.

Nin Temperance. Sybil came racing onto the plateau, stunning everyone. This was hardly fitting behaviour for one of her order. The Shu Sar Absalom is asking you join him at once in his room of court.

'Turan.' Tory looked to the veiled woman, fearful for the Shar.

Go, Temperance instructed. I shall take care of this.

'But what -'

I am not leaving until I see you gone, the Priestess insisted, forcing Tory to comply.

When Temperance entered the room of court, all stood to honour her presence.

This summons is most unusual, gentlemen, I trust you have good cause. She was seated in the chair Shar Turan had vacated for her, and he stood alongside it.

Our sincere apologies, Nin. Alaric spoke on the council's behalf. As Turan cannot share with us the nature of your commission, this governing body would ask that you enlighten us as to the intent of his work for you.

Turan didn't know this Priestess very well, but no holy woman would knowingly lie.

By whose authority, do you ask? The veiled woman sat perfectly poised.

He has my authority in this matter. Absalom advised, knowing full well that his son may just as well try to squeeze water from a stone as get any in the Orders of Passage to disclose their doctrine. But still, it would be a good learning experience for the lad.

But my dear Shu Sar, you know as well as I that my Orders are not answerable to the State.

Well, maybe they should be ... Alaric commented out of turn, and was frowned upon by all present.

If you wish to know the will of the Gods, my Shar, you have only to enter the Order of Helio and all shall be made clear to you. Until such time as you are so spiritually accomplished, however, you shall be kept in the dark.

Temperance rose. Good day, gentlemen. I expect I have heard the last of this matter.

Thank you. Shu Sar Absalom rose appearing most pleased. The subject was now closed and he hadn't even had to take a side.

And in the future, her veiled face turned to Alaric, I do not expect to be summoned from my duties to discuss such petty matters. I do not interfere with your charge. Do not interfere with mine.

She turned to depart, placing a hand upon Turan's shoulder. The Gods have granted your aspirations.

Turan bowed in gratitude, breathing a sigh of relief as the Priestess left the gathering.

Alaric was brooding in the wake of his defeat. Those orders could do anything they chose, and we'd be none the wiser.

Then join the order, Absalom advised. You know the rules, as well as I. He regretted that the breaking-in of his son to the Shu Sar's position looked as if it was going to be a longer process than originally thought.

A couple of days later, when all seemed back to normal, Turan sought an audience with the High Priestess, only to be informed that she was not seeing anyone.

I am sorry, Highness. Sybil pursued the Shar into the High Priestess' Chamber.

Turan pleaded with the Priestess on his own behalf.

I promise not to detain you for long, but I must speak with you.

Very well, Temperance granted, her voice strained and weak. Thank you, Sybil. You may leave us.

As you wish. Sybil bowed out, closing the door behind her.

I want to thank you for vouching for me with the Chailidocean council. Turan got straight to the point.

That is all well and good, Temperance was short with him, but I did not appreciate being placed in such a position.

It shan't happen again, he vowed, and added a little shyly, and I also greatly appreciate your aiding Lamamu. All went well with her departure you said.

Yes. Temperance became colder still. You need not worry yourself in that regard.

And she left no message for me? he coaxed .

Ah ... The Priestess rose. Now we get to the true reason behind your visit.

Forgive me, Nin, I cannot help it, Turan confessed, coming to kneel at the holy woman's feet. To love this woman is futile, I know, but it seems I am at a loss to prevent it.

She said nothing. Temperance was so consumed by her jealousy and hurt that she could barely speak. Her departure was rather rushed, you understand.

Turan noticed a teardrop splash to the floor in front of him. Why are you weeping, Nin?

Temperance walked quickly across the room, so she did not have to look upon him. I find your ill-fated match very sad, my Shar.

Please don't cry for me. Like you, I too am used to being alone. He stood once more, observing the Priestess'

movements.

Oneness is a grand thing, she allowed, though her heart was not in the statement and she knew it.

The only problem is, since meeting Lamamu, I no longer feel whole, he confided softly. That is why I have decided to have my life terminated.

Temperance spun around to view him. No, you must not.

He was adamant, I cannot live without her. And when I say cannot, I mean that this longing I feel will surely kill me within weeks in any event.

Then return to your etheric state, but don't surrender your life so rashly.

I don't think you understand. I have no desire to put her behind me. To persist with this incarnation is only to delay our next meeting.

Temperance could not keep silent her anguish, and her hands knotted round each other as she openly began to sob.

Please, Nin. I do not mean to distress you. Turan came near to comfort her. I am at peace and quite happy to go, I assure you.

I cannot let you do it. She shook her head to get her wits about her. Two wrongs will never make a right.