‘What is it, Falkor?’ ‘I’ve been wondering if it wouldn’t be wiser to turn back.’ ‘Turn back? Where to?’ ‘To the Ivory Tower. To the Childlike Empress.’ ‘You want us to go to her empty-handed?’ ‘I wouldn’t call it that, Atreyu. What was your mission?’ ‘To discover the cause of her illness and find out what would cure it.’ ‘But,’ said Falkor, ‘nothing was said about your bringing her the cure.’ ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Maybe it’s a mistake, trying to cross the border of Fantastica in search of a human.’ ‘I don’t see what you’re driving at, Falkor. Explain yourself.’
