Part of Merlin's statement is reminiscent of what the ancient Greeks believed. That the future is preordained and, thus, as unalterable as the past. But, if time is a river, then its flow CAN be diverted "for good or for ill."

In other words? To paraphrase the first two "Terminator" movies, the future is NOT pre-set. And, what might happen can ONLY happen if we fatalistically allow it.

Sorry, if I got a little over-preachy towards the end, there. But, I tend to get that way when I pig out on too much food-for-thought. ;-)

Thanks for sharing this latest masterpiece with us.

Author's Response:

Doesn't sound too preachy. I was just surprised to see such a serious, pun-free (or pun-light at least) review from you, Cary. ;)

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I should have explored some of these "predestination vs. choice" ideas a bit more in this chapter. May do a revision eventually.