Nachdem der zweite Band der Khaavren-Bände "Fivehundred Years After" auch geschafft ist, bin ich mittlerweile so weit, daß die überdehnten und umständlichen Dialoge mich nicht mehr nerven, sondern sie im Gegenteil zum wahren Genuß werden und ich mich über jeden besonders gelungenen unnötigen Satz freue. Und genau wie im ersten Band sind es wieder Pel und Tazendra, die dem ganzen noch die Krone aufsetzen:

Tazendra gave a cry upon seeing Pel, and embraced him with an exuberance that simultaneously raised the doorward's eyebrows and threatened the Yendi's ribs. He nevertheless returned the embrace as well as he could before disengaging himself and paying Tazendra a thousand compliments.

"So," he said at last, "you have been seeking me?"
"More than seeking you," said Tazendra. "I have found you."
"Well, you have," said Pel. "And yet - "
"And yet?"
"Well, I wonder - "
"Ah! I recognize you so well in that!"
"Oh, to be sure."
"But tell me what you wonder."
"Oh, I am about to."
"Begin then."
"I wonder why you have been seeking me."
"Why else, but to find you?"
"Yes, yes, I understand that, only - "
"Only you wish to know why I wanted to find you?"
"Yes, Tazendra. You have guessed it. I wish to know why you wanted to find me."
"Oh, as to that - "
"Yes?"
"I will tell you."
"And at once, I hope."
"Why, this, this very instant."
"Then I am listening."
"I wished to find you because I wish to learn what you know."
"You wish to learn what I know? But surely you must
understand - "
"Ah, ah! You know that understanding is not something I do well."
"Oh, but this is something you will understand."
"I am skeptical."
"I know you are, Tazendra, and I assure you that it is a mark of intelligence."
"Do you think so?"
"I am convinced of it."
"Well, what must I understand, then?"

.. und so geht es noch weiter, seitenlang. Oh dear, eigentlich wollte ich ja etwas anderes lesen, aber um "Paths of the Dead" komme ich wohl doch nicht herum, wie es aussieht, da nicht nur die Dialoge süchtig machen auf Dauer. Ah well.