page130 (1/2)

"Just words?" said Ender "So he's nonviolent?"

"So far," said Virlomi

"Then I'reat honor you paid me Please let it be known that I'in"

"Are you sure?" asked Virlomi

"Insane people are always sure," said Valentine

Ender laughed, and so Virlomi did, too--a nervous chuckle

"I'd invite you to join ht," said Virlomi, "only one of my affectations is to eat little, and of course, as a Hindu, I eat an entirely vegetarian cuisine"

"Sounds excellent," said Valentine

"Tell us when and where, and we'll be there," said Ender

With a fewwords, Virlomi left

Valentine turned on Ender, angry and sad, both at once "Did you bring me here to watch you die?"

"I didn't bring you anywhere," said Ender "You just came"

"That doesn't answer my question"

"Everyone dies, Valentine Mother and Father are dead Peter is dead Graff is probably dead by now"

"You forget that I know you, Ender," said Valentine "You have decided to die You've decided to provoke this boy into killing you"