Altar of Twilight You believe me like a god

The physician's smile was faint, but present as he observed the boy's excitement. Of course, excitement did not necessarily mean agreement — especially when he had not yet heard the details of the position on the offer.

"I would not ask if I did not mean it," he replied. His smile was not present in his tone, which was as mild as ever. "I believe you have the right temperament for it, and I know that you are a bright boy. The question is whether or not it interests you. It is not a path that ought to be taken on a whim."

His expression grew just a little more solemn.

"It can be a lonely and tiresome path," he cautioned. "I will be with you, but our lives would be devoted to learning and to healing. For a year, at least; that is how long the apprenticeship is."

But the learning, in truth, goes on forever. That had been a favorite saying of Ulysses.