"Do you imagine, then, that love and wisdom spring from tools? But I
see how it arises. In your world you have fewer sense organs, and to
make up for the deficiency you have been obliged to call in the
assistance of stones and metals. That's by no means a sign of
superiority."

"No, I suppose not," said Maskull, "but I see I have a great deal to
unlearn."

They talked together a little longer, and then gradually fell asleep.
Joiwind opened her eyes, smiled, and slumbered again.



Chapter 8

THE LUSION PLAIN

Maskull awoke before the others. He got up, stretched himself, and
walked out into the sunlight. Branchspell was already declining. He
climbed to the top of the crater edge and looked away toward Ifdawn.
The afterglow of Alppain had by now completely disappeared. The
mountains stood up wild and grand.

They impressed him like a simple musical theme, the notes of which
are widely separated in the scale; a spirit of rashness, daring, and
adventure seemed to call to him from them. It was at that moment
that the determination flashed into his heart to walk to the Marest
and explore its dangers.