Varying Sentence Structure

To add interest, improve flow, and illustrate your sophistication as a writer, always try to vary the sentence structure within paragraphs. Many writers get into the Sally, Dick, and Jane rut, where their sentences are simple constructions of subject-verb-object. This makes for dull reading†¦ but it also can insult the intelligence of the average reader, who is capable of processing information that is presented in sentences of varying lengths and diverse constructions. We’ll use an example from Atlas Shrugged. (Everyone is always suspicious that I harbor Objectivist tendencies when I gush over Ayn Rand, however, this interest was abandoned long ago. Ayn Rand’s writing, and her obsession with perfection, is still to be admired. Sure, she was a little bats, but her writing is incredible.) The following excerpt is written using the same sentence structure, over and over: Her leg was sculptured by the tight sheen of the stocking. Its long line ran straight over an arched instep to the tip of a high-heeled pump. It had a feminine elegance that seemed out of place in the dusty train car. It was also oddly incongruous with the rest of her. Ayn Rand’s original: Her leg, sculptured by the tight sheen of the stocking, its long line running straight, over an arched instep, to the tip of a foot in a high-heeled pump, had a feminine elegance which seemed out of place in the dusty train car and oddly incongruous with the rest of her. While this type of writing contains too much flourish for article writing, and the sentence presents information in a more complex manner than you would want to, notice how the description joins like elements into a seamless whole without butchering it into jarring pieces (just like Dagny’s leg is a long, unbroken line). Whether you’re writing about Dagny Taggart’s sexy games, or the health benefits of carrots, you can still create flow that makes reading and absorbing information interesting. Carrots are healthy. They contain large amounts of vitamin A. Eating carrots is good for your eyes. There is some evidence that eating carrots will help you see in the dark. Better sentence structure: Carrots, which contain large amounts of vitamin A, are extremely healthy. In fact, carrots are great for eye health, and there is some evidence that eating carrots will help you see in the dark. Learning new ways to construct sentences is as simple as opening up a magazine, reading from a respected online publication, or picking up your favorite classic. Of course, you should always adapt your writing style for your topic, your audience, and clarity. However, what you learn from others can always be distilled into basic principles to use to improve your own skills.

Explore How Budget Deficits and Economy Health Relate

Explore How Budget Deficits and Economy Health Relate There is a relationship between budget deficits and the health of the economy, but is certainly not a perfect one. There can be massive budget deficits when the economy is doing quite well, and, though somewhat less likely, surpluses are certainly possible during bad times.   This is because a deficit or surplus depends not only on the tax revenues collected (which can be thought of as proportional to economic activity) but also on the level of government purchases and transfer payments, which is determined by Congress and need not be determined by the level of economic activity. That being said, government budgets tend to go from surplus to deficit (or existing deficits become larger) as the economy goes sour. This typically happens as follows: The economy goes into recession, costing many workers their jobs, and at the same time causing corporate profits to decline. This causes less income tax revenue to flow to the government, along with less corporate income tax revenue. Occasionally the flow of income to the government will still grow, but at a slower rate than inflation, meaning that flow of tax revenue has fallen in real terms.Because many workers have lost their jobs, their  dependency is increased use of government programs, such as unemployment insurance. Government spending rises as more individuals are calling on government services to help them out through tough times.   (Such spending programs are known as automatic stabilizers, since they by their very nature help stabilize economic activity and income over time.)To help push the economy out of recession and to help those who have lost their jobs, governments often create new social programs during times of recession and depression. FDRs New Deal of the 19 30s is a prime example of this. Government spending then rises, not just because of increased use of existing programs, but through the creation of new programs. Because of factor one, the government receives less money from taxpayers due to a  recession, while factors two and three imply that the government spends more money than it would during better times. Money starts flowing out of the government faster than it comes in, causing the governments budget to go into deficit.

The experiments involving women in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Birth Essay

The experiments involving women in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Birth Mark and Rapaccini's Daughter using as foil The Oval Por - Essay Example Hawthorne build a formidable relationship with women characters, in which case he had to inspire many who appear in his fiction, and he had a relationship with women who had some influence in his life, which includes Margaret Fuller among others. Therefore, Hawthorne plays a crucial role in having to think about women and their confronting of the American men and society. Therefore, this paper will embark on the experiments that involve women in Nathaniels Hawthorne, â€Å"the birth mark† and the â€Å"Rapaccini’s daughter† (Wright). A substance analysis of Hawthorne’s women from the many tales demonstrates the way the Hawthorne uses the women as the objects of warning about the consequences of the fear of men. Analyzing the â€Å"The Birth Mark†, Hawthorne tries to introduce the Georgina character, in which case her sole flaw is the birthmark that was on her face. Everything else is perfect, but the flaw that existed was this only birthmark. The hu sband of Aylmer likes science, and he goes on to suggest that he should try to remove the birthmark. When he was through with the experiment, he goes ahead to announce that the experiment was successful. Having done this, Georgina, in which case she had some characteristics of evil possession, dies because her husband had the insistence on trying to deform nature. Aylmer also has the evil flaw, in which case he is persistence to get rid of the birthmark (Wright). Hawthorne has had to create characters with malevolent or the evil characteristics to the reader an allegorical meaning. To some extent, he may be targeting the women without the justification. Plainly, Hawthorne has had to target the women and the men equally in his works. For instance, in his works of, â€Å"Rappaccini’s daughter†, Hawthorne uses Beatrice to be the carrier of deadly poison, in which case men is in use in transmitting the evil. Then men in use have their own flaws, in which case it contribute s to the mistakes of women in their works. II. A There is the possibility of interpreting the Georgiana’s sexuality when interpreting the birthmark because Hawthorne works seem to have sexual undercurrent. In the hallmark, Georgiana tries to consider Aylmer to be his master, which is why she is caring about Aylmer’s opinion of her. Aylmer considers the imperfection in the Georgiana’s face and has the confidence of the nature due to his likes of science he plans to remove the imperfection from her face. He persuades her to remove the imperfection in order that they feel happy together. Aylmer then guides Georgiana into the laboratory, in which case it includes beautiful rooms and Aylmer finally succeeds in removing the imperfections. However, Georgiana, in which case she has had to dream, dies. From the two characters, Georgiana and Aylmer, it is quite clear that the birthmark epitomizes natural beauty containing imperfection and explores the hubris of science an d art in an attempt to perfect what the nature offers. In addition, there is the revelation of discomfort and fascination with the power of women’s sexuality, in which case it can make a man pursue anything, including endangering a woman’s life, diminishing it (Wright). Aylmer aims at removing the birthmark in Georgiana’s face that made her imperfect. Aylmer wanted to make her to be perfect in order that they

Explain the true-justified-belief theory of knowledge we discussed in Essay

Explain the true-justified-belief theory of knowledge we discussed in class.Then make up your own Gettier case and explain why i - Essay Example However, despite the acceptance of the JTB theory, there is so much consideration to be done around the epistemology of knowledge development. For that reason, a theory of justification is required, which will lead to answers from the question that the subject (S) is justified in holding the belief that the proposition (p) is factual. Therefore, warrants to be treated like knowledge – if a theory of justification supports the belief. Discussion The conditions required for the true justified belief theory are based on the regard that there should be the subject (S) that holds the proposition in question. The first condition for the theory is that there should be a proposition, which should warrant the subject’s treatment that it is factual and one warranting to be regarded as truthful. The second condition for the theory is that the subject (S) should be one who believes that the proposition in question is truthful (Pritchard, Millar & Haddock 22). The third condition is that the subject (S) should be one who can offer a justification or one who identifies with a justification that supports their belief in the truthfulness of the proposition in question (p). ... e second condition is necessary and sufficient, mainly because the subject (S) should hold the belief that the proposition (p) is truthful, because in the case that they do not, then it would not be considered for its truthfulness or the lack thereof (Schaffer 73-75). The third condition is necessary and sufficient, mainly because it is necessary for the subject (S) to be in a position of offering a justification that their belief in the proposition is truthful and one that holds the potential of presenting truthfulness. The three conditions are sufficient when taken into account together, mainly because they cannot work singly, but require one another, before they can lead to the development of valid conclusions. For example, taking a case of a false proposition, then the subject is less likely to believe that it is truthful, and more is that they cannot offer a justification of the proposition. Secondly, in a case where the subject does not believe in the proposition, then they are less likely to consider it truthful, and more importantly; they cannot offer a justification for believing the proposition. Thirdly, without a justification about the belief in the proposition, it will be impossible for the subject to believe that the proposal is truthful, and more importantly, they will not be able to hold the belief that the proposition is truthful. In offering a counterexample to the truthfulness of JTB, the case of John will be used. From my class, I saw the ID of John, and it shows that he is from Florida; therefore, I can infer that he comes from Florida (inference 1). The second inference will be that, due to the fact that he is from Florida, then a member of the class comes from Florida (inference 2). In this case, inference 2 has been drawn from the justification

Internet Marketing Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Internet Marketing - Term Paper Example Internet marketing/web marketing/online marketing has achieved great significance at this technology and competition based age because it offers faster and fruitful approaches of marketing for a variety of business products and services through online marketing tools. In this scenario, social network marketing, search engine marketing, and internet based blogging techniques are some of its imperative practices which are expertly adopted by a lot of corporations all over the world. Certainly internet marketing or web marketing charisma has improved over the previous few years because it offers widespread value added services to its clients and affiliates across the globe. Additionally, this medium of marketing is considered as inexpensive, convenient and quickest as compared to other customary or traditional marketing approaches. In the same way, through the internet marketing companies are able to interact profitably with its consumers and capable to attain instant response from thei r customers. Hence by making use of this method organizations can avail an opportunity to adeptly provide their services to the clients and customers in an improved manner (Sytematic Direct Marketing, 2011), (Articles Max, 2011) and (LinkedIn Corporation, 2011).Influence of Internet Marketing Policy. The optimistic influence of Internet marketing policies has definitely boosted through the progress and impact of the Web technology on various domains. At present, well established companies.... d great significance at this technology and competition based age because it offers faster and fruitful approaches of marketing for a variety of business products and services through online marketing tools. In this scenario, social network marketing, search engine marketing, and internet based blogging techniques are some of its imperative practices which are expertly adopted by a lot of corporations all over the world. Certainly internet marketing or web marketing charisma has improved over the previous few years because it offers widespread value added services to its clients and affiliates across the globe. Additionally, this medium of marketing is considered as inexpensive, convenient and quickest as compared to other customary or traditional marketing approaches. In the same way, through the internet marketing companies are able to interact profitably with its consumers and capable to attain instant response from their customers. Hence by making use of this method organizations can avail an opportunity to adeptly provide their services to the clients and customers in an improved manner (Sytematic Direct Marketing, 2011), (Articles Max, 2011) and (LinkedIn Corporation, 2011). Influence of Internet Marketing Policy The optimistic influence of Internet marketing policies has definitely boosted through the progress and impact of the Web technology on various domains. At present, well established companies are being motivated through internet space and seek to apply online marketing plans to adeptly boost business communication traffic on the way to their corporate website home-page holding corporate imperative information as well as provide detailed overview of business products and services. Internet marketing technique promotes advertisement to regular users plus

Process of Embedding Fuzzy Logic Methodology In Racing Game

Process of Embedding Fuzzy Logic Methodology In Racing Game Alamin Hussain Key words: fuzzy logic, XNA, AI, racing game ABSTRACT Fuzzy Logic has many opinions and understanding from people to people. In its simplest understanding Fuzzy Logic outputs truth(s) based on approximation for reasoning. In essence compared to traditional binary sets, which outputs absolute truths or false values, Fuzzy Logic may have a false or truth-value which ranges in degrees from 0 to 1. Using the above notion, I will be implementing this ideology or method in the perspective of providing behaviors for my Non-Playable-Opponent. What this means is that I will be programming Fuzzy Logic into my video game. Which should provide a more human like interaction. I will be utilizing the Microsoft XNA framework and C# programming language to output the implementation. In attempting to program in Fuzzy Logic, I had come across several hurdles. Such as breaking the rules and calculations down to the most possible simplest form possible, then trying to implement line by line each element. Thereafter running into Syntax Errors and Runtime Errors of which there were many. Finally I was forced to remove some more complex forms of Fuzzy Logic due to time constraints and inability to fully comprehend Fuzzy Logic and apply it via programming. INTRODUCTION Fuzzy Logic is an area of study in Artificial Intelligence built on the idea that in a fuzzy set, each element in a given set which can assume a value from 0 to 1 and does not follow the conventional classic or crisp theory of just 0 or 1. Basically this method follows the conception that approximation is used for reasoning rather than a fixed value. An element is categorized in its gradual inclination towards its relevant set, this is known as the degree of membership. The objective of this project is to efficiently utilize the XNA game engine using C# programming language and DirectX graphics API, to create a function racing game which utilizes Fuzzy Logic artificial intelligence. Previous programmers and coders have utilized Fuzzy Logic in video games, but the use for fuzzy logic in real world applications for video games has been minimal due to more popularity of other methods such as the A* artificial intelligence model. The reason of this project is to identify how fuzzy logic can allow for more human like interaction in a video game setting. In essence providing human feedback and reactions to the player and establishing cohesion in immersive game play. Throughout the main chapters of the thesis, I will going through the process in which I have understood general AI in video games and how fuzzy logic can be applied in this territory. Due to my illness, which has made me bend bound and on medication for just over 2 months from the beginning of February, my research and understanding is very little. As such I will try my best to demonstrate my current knowledge and how I established it into my project. I will be providing and understanding of Artificial Intelligence in video games and how the two are intertwined; he current state and use of AI in video games; Game AI techniques; Fuzzy Logic AI; how Fuzzy Logic is utilized in video games; the benefits of fuzzy logic; the cons of Fuzzy Logic; Fuzzy State Machines; the use of fuzzy logic in the video game industry and previous research conducted on fuzzy logic. MAIN CHAPTERS Artificial Intelligence in Video Games In the study of artificial intelligence in video games it is made up of all the methodologies and techniques for implementing intelligence into video games. Artificial Intelligence in video games contain aspects of, but are not limited to: path finding, control of animation, strategic thinking, procedural generation and learning. All of which require some form of solving problems, which are executed utilising Artificial Intelligence algorithms. The main essence of using game artificial intelligence is bringing a more human like interaction for the player, in creating a more fun, immersive and strategical play. This can be in the form of enemy bosses or interaction with NPCs (Non-Playable-Characters). In the words of Alan Turing, considered the father of of artificial intelligence, an agent is intelligent if its behaviour cannot be distinguished from that of a human[1]. From real human perspective Game artificial intelligence is in essence not real intelligence but the illusion of such methods[2]. Successful video games implement varying degrees of compelling artificial intelligence. It is not a requirement to implement very intelligent, unbeatable smart opponents but a much fun and some what realistic opponent who does not do damagingly stupid manoeuvres of which could ruin the whole game play and remove a player from the immersion. Like in most aspects of a video game, the game AI compliments and provides a higher realisation of a given video game, such as maintaining high levels of entertainment and fun game play. From the beginning of video game development to the the present times of complex large project based games, Artificial Intelligence has certainly been widely used and with the passage of time has increased usage and complexity with it. As such video games such as online multi player games have brought forward advanced artificial intelligence and have changed the habits and perception of players. This in effect has made players demand much more intricacy in game play in regards to artificial intelligence and developers are more and more focusing in providing human-like methods in AI, which are capable of learning from the players inputs. Developers have since moved away from predictable and scripted opponents and heavily focused on the advanced artificial intelligence in games. Due to the nature of video game development, game AI has real world constraints, in terms of time management and scheduling of a project. As such tested and working methods are used in development and the lack of innovation in the field of game AI is very much not visible. Game Artificial intelligence borrows knowledge from academic based AI such as robotics. But has its own parallel workforce of improvement and research and development, whilst keeping practicality in mind due to the nature of the game industry[3]. All forms of AI research and development borrows elements of information and as such same techniques can be found in some form in all fields of study. This thesis will delve on the study of a particular method of video game artificial intelligence, which is Fuzzy Logic and the use of such AI in video game. Then bringing a conclusion from my findings and usage of Fuzzy Logic game AI. Current Usage of Game AI Game artificial intelligence had gained traction from the late eighties early nineties, as such has gained much more attention from the game industry in the last decade or so. Traditionally video game have been pushing boundaries in the composition of visual graphics and audio realism in a bid to gain traction from end consumers. This in return had made it so that CPU (Central Processing Unit) processing powers was largely given precedence to graphics computation, followed by sound computation and then the game logic. This process of allocation of resources in previous game development left very little computation al power to artificial intelligence, which resulted in very stupid, generic and easily overpower enemies and or opponents. The previous process of developing video games and limitations on resources meant that artificial intelligence was very minimal. In more recent times graphical fidelity has improved so well that the visuals on screen are indistinguishable to their real life counter parts. As well as the costs of provided more resources on a much lower capital and recent inclusions of GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), meant that visual graphics had a dedicated resource in providing improved graphics, whilst freeing up the CPU to focus more on intricate computations. This has allowed artificial intelligence and physics to flourish and become more improved over the years, allowing more immersive game play. This trend of game development and resource allocation has allowed video game artificial intelligence to become some what of an essential necessity to differentiate and better develop high quality video games. As costs are minimising and developers improving, there are more and more dedicated teams of developers focusing on game AI, in creating seemingly intelligent NPCs, opponents and enemies, thus enabling challenging and interesting video games for the players. Following these development cycles and improvements over the years in the study of video game artificial intelligence has allowed people studying and or researching artificial intelligence to use video games as a mean of testing their research. This in essence allows reducing large overheads, increasing safety and utilising a simple environment in a virtual world. As opposed testing in the real world, which would increase costs and potential pose a risk to researchers if it were a large scale project utilise large physical object(s).

Teaching ESL Writing (Final Paper) -- Education Learning Essays

Teaching ESL Writing At times the plethora of professional journals and the myriad subjects treated therein seems like little more than a dizzying exercise in redundancy and a forum for education professionals to justify their worth in a competitive job market; however, I would like to think that there is a hidden value for those of us whose brains seem to operate in what some might call a â€Å"spiral† rhetorical pattern, that as we work our way around and around certain issues related to composition instruction, we are moving gradually upward toward broader understanding and better practice. Some studies seem to do little more than show the need for more studies, their authors falling back on such standard phrases as, â€Å"clearly more research is needed,† but that at least is evidence that we’re moving toward something – we’re trying to pinpoint the exact gap between educational practice as we know it and as we sense it might exist in an improved state. So, it is with this hope in mind that I’ve undertaken yet another literature review, consuming the writings of others in order to find a specific gap in (at least my own) understanding of educational practice as it relates to college-level ESL composition students in general, and to college-level ESL students with learning disabilities (LD) specifically. For the purposes of this paper I shall borrow Skinner and Gilespie’s definition of learning disabilities as follows: [Learning disabled persons are those] of average or above average intelligence who have difficulty mastering skills in reading and spelling (often in the form of dis- lexia), and /or writing, or math. ... ...es. March/April 2001, 34, 2. 136-152. Munro, Murray J. and Tracey M. Derwing. â€Å"Foreign Accent, Comprehensibility, and Inteligibility.† Language Learning. June 1999, 49, 2. 285-111. Poon-McBrayer, Kim Feng and Shernaz B. Garcia. â€Å"Profiles of Asian American Students with Learning Disabilities at Initial Referral, Assessment, and Place- ment in Special Education.† Journal of Learning Disabilities. Jan/Feb 2001, 33, 1. 61-71. Skinner, Louise and Phyllis Gillespie. â€Å"The Challenge of Adult Literacy: Students with Learning Disabilities in the ABE Classroom.† Adult Basic Education. Fall 2000, 10, 3. Spack, Ruth. â€Å"Student Meets Text, Text Meets Student: Finding a Way into Academic Discourse.† Reading in the Composition Classroom: Second Language Perspectives. Ed. Joan G. Carson and Ilona Leki. Boston: Heinle & Heinle Publishers, 1993. 183-196.

Night World : Black Dawn Chapter 16

I'msorry. Was I interrupting something?† he said, Maggie had to struggle not to draw in her breath sharply. It was always a little bit of a shock seeing him. And even in a room with Hunter Redfern and thepale and dazzling Sylvia, he stood out. Like a coldwind blowing through the door, he seemed to bringcoiled energy in with him, to slap everyone awakewith the chilly smell of snow. And of course he was gorgeous, too. And not awed by Hunter, Maggie thought. Hefaced his greatgrandfather with those fearless yellow eyes level, and a measuring look on his fineboned face. â€Å"Nothing at all,† Hunter Redfern said amiably.†We were waiting for you. And planningthecelebrations.† â€Å"Celebrations?† â€Å"To honor our agreement. I'm so pleased that we've come to an understanding at last. Aren'tyou?† â€Å"Of course,† Delos said, pulling off his gloveswithout any change in expression. â€Å"When we docome to an understanding, I'll be very pleased.† Maggie had to bite her lip on a snicker. At thatmoment, looking at Hunter's facile smile and Sylvia's pinned-on simper, she had never liked Delos'sdour, cold grimness better. Idiot, she told herself. When did you ever like itat all? The guy's an icicle. But there was something clean and sharp-edgedabout his iciness, and she couldn't help admiring the way he faced Hunter. There was a little aching knot in her chest as she watched himstandingthere, tense and elegant, with his dark hair tousled from riding. Which wasn't to say she wasn't scared. That auraof power Delos carried along with him was veryreal. He had sensed her before, even with Aradiablockingthe signs of her lifeforce. And now here he was, maybe twelve feet away, with only a pieceof linen between them. There was nothing Maggie could do but sit asstillas possible. â€Å"Sylvia has taken the liberty of beginning thepreparations,† Hunter said. â€Å"I hope you don't mind.I think we can work out any little details that areleft before tomorrow, don't you?† Suddenly Delos looked tired. He tossed his gloveson the bed and nodded, conceding a point. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Essentially,† Hunter Redfern said,†we are agreed. This time Delos just nodded without speaking. â€Å"I can't wait to show you off to the world outside,† Hunter said, and this time Maggie thought the note of pride and eagerness in his voice was sincere. â€Å"My great-grandson. And to think that ayear ago I didn't know of your existence.† Hecrossed to slap Delos on the back. It was a gestureso much like the old king's that Maggie's eyeswidened. â€Å"I'm going to make some preparations of myown,† he said. â€Å"I think the last hunt before youleave should be special, don't you?† He was smilingashe left. Delos stared moodily at the fur coverlet. â€Å"Well,† Sylvia said, sounding almost chirpy.†How's the arm?† Delos glanced down at it. He was still wearingthe complicated brace thing Maggie had seen him in yesterday. â€Å"It's allriot.† â€Å"Hurts?† â€Å"A little.† Sylvia sighed and shook her head. â€Å"That's because you used it for practice. I did warn you,you know.† â€Å"Can you make it better or not?† Delos saidbrusquely. Sylvia was already opening the basket. â€Å"I toldyou, it'll take time. But it should improve with each treatment as longas you don't use it.† She was fiddling with the brace, doing thingsthat Maggie couldn't see. And Maggie's heart wasbeating hard with anger and an unreasonableprotectiveness. I can't let her do that to Delosbut how can istop her? There's no way. If she sees me, it's allover†¦ . â€Å"There,† Sylvia said. â€Å"That should hold you fora while.† Maggie ground her teeth. But at least maybe she'll go now, she thought. Itfeels like about a century I've been sitting in herelistening to her. And this stool isn't getting anymore comfortable. â€Å"Now,† Sylvia said briskly, tidying. â€Å"Just let meput your gloves away-â€Å" Oh, no,Maggie thought, horrified. On the shelf beside her was a pile of gloves. â€Å"No,†Delos said, so quickly it was almost anecho. â€Å"I need them.† â€Å"Don't be silly. You're not going out again-â€Å" â€Å"I'll take them.† Delos had wonderful reflexes. Heput himself between Sylvia and the wardrobe, andan instant later he was holding on to the gloves,almost tugging them from her hands. Sylvia looked up at him wonderingly for a longmoment. Maggie could see her face, the creamy skin delicately flushed, and her eyes, the color of r-drenched violets. She could see the shimmerof her pale blondhairas Sylvia shook her head slightly. Delos stared down at her implacably. Then Sylvia shrugged her ft-agile shoulders andletgo of the gloves. â€Å"I'll go see to the feast,† she said lightly andsmiled. She picked up her basket and moved gracefully to the door. Delos watched her go. Maggiesimply sat, speechless and paralyzed.When Delos followed Sylvia and closed the door firmly behind her, she made herself get slowly offthe stool. She backed away from the curtainsslightly, but she could still see a strip of thebedroom. Delos walked unerringly straight to the wardrobe.†You can come out now,† he said, his voice flatand hard. Maggie shut her eyes. Great. Well, I should have known. But he hadn't let Sylvia come in and discoverher, and he hadn't simply turned her over to his guards. Those were very good signs, she told herself stoutly. In fact, maybe she wasn't going to haveto persuade him of anything at all; maybe he wasalready going to be reasonable. â€Å"Or do I have to come in?† Delos said dangerously. Or maybe not, Maggie thought. She felt a sudden idiotic desire to get the dust out of her hair. She shook her head a few times, brushing at it, then gave up. Terribly conscious of her smudged face and slaveclothing, she parted the linen hangings andwalked out. â€Å"I warned you,† Delos said. He was facing her squarely, his jaw set and hismouth as grimas she had ever seen it. His eyeswere hooded, a dull and eerie gold in the shadows.He looked every inch the dark and mysterious vam pire prince. And here I am, Maggie thought. Looking like†¦well, like vermin, I bet. Like something fished outof the gutter. Not much of a representative forhumanity. She had never cared about clothes or hairstylesor things like that, but just now she wished thatshe could at least look presentable. Since the fateof the world might just depend on her. Even so, there was something in the air betweenDelos and herself. A sort of quivering aliveness that quickened the blood in Maggie's veins. That stirredsomething in her chest, and started her heartpounding with an odd mixture of fear and hope. She faced Delos just assquarelyashe was facing her. â€Å"I know some things that I think you need toknow,† she said quietly. He ignored that. â€Å"I told you what would happenif you came here. I told you I wouldn't protectyou again.† â€Å"I remember. But you didprotect me again. AndI thank you-but I really think I'd better tell youwhat's going on. Sylvia is the suspicious type, andif she's gone to Hunter Redfern to say that youdon't want people looking in your closet-â€Å" â€Å"Don't you understand?†he said with such sudden violence that Maggie's throat closed, chokingoff her words. She stared at him. â€Å"You're so closeto dying, but you don't seem to care. Are you toostupid to grasp it, or do you just have a deathwish?† The thumping in Maggie's chest now was definitelyfear. â€Å"I do understand,† she began slowly, when shecould get her voice to work. â€Å"No, you don't, â€Å"he said. `But I'll make you.† All at once his eyes were blazing. Not just theirnormal brilliant yellow, but a dazzling and unnatural gold that seemed to hold its own light. Even though Maggie had seen it before, it wasstill a shock to watch his features change. His face going paler, even more beautiful and clearly defined, chiseled in ice. His pupils widening like a predator's, holding a darkness that a human coulddrown in. And that proud and willful mouth twist ing in anger. It all happened in a second or so. And then hewas advancing on her, with dark fire in his eyes,and his lips pulling back from his teeth. Maggie stared at the fangs, helplessly horrifiedall over again. They were even sharper than she remembered them looking. They indented hislower lip on either side, even with his mouth partly .open. And, yes, they were definitely scary. â€Å"This is what I am,† Delos said, speaking easily around the fangs. â€Å"A hunting animal. Part of a world of darkness that you couldn't survive for aminute in. I've told you over and over to stay awayfrom it, but you won't listen. You turn up in my own castle, and you just won't believe your danger.So now I'm going to show you.† Maggie took a step backward. She wasn't in agood position; the wall was behind her and thehuge bed was on her left. Delos was between her and the door. And she had already seen how fasthis reflexes were. Her legs felt unsteady; her pulse was beating erratically. Her breath was coming fast. He doesn't really mean ithe won't really do it. He isn't serious†¦. But for all her mind's desperate chanting, panicwas beginning to riot inside her. The instincts of forgotten ancestors, long buried, were surfacing.Some ancient part of her remembered being chased by hunting animals, being prey. She backed up until she came in contact with the tapestry-hung wall behind her. And then therewas nowhere else to go. â€Å"Now,† Delos said and closed the distance between them with the grace of a tiger. He was right in front of her. Maggie couldn't helplooking up at him, looking directly into that alienand beautiful face. She could smell a scent like autumn leaves and fresh snow, but she could feel theheat from his body. He's nothing dead or undead, some very distantpart of her mind thought. He's ruthless, he's beenraised to be a weapon, but he's definitely alivemaybe the most alive thing I've ever seen. When he moved, there was nowhere she couldgo to avoid him. His hands closed on her shoulderslike implacable bands of steel. And then he waspulling her forward, not roughly but not gently either, pulling her until her body rested lightlyagainst his. And he was looking down at her withgolden eyes that burned like twin flames. Looking at my throat, Maggie thought. She couldfeel the pulse beating there, and with her chin tiltedup to look at him and her upper body arched away from him, she knew he could see it. His eyes werefixed on it with a different kind of hunger than shehad ever seen in a human face. For just one instant the panic overwhelmed her,flooding up blackly to engulf everything else. Shecouldn't think; she was nothing but a terrified massof instinct, and all she wanted to do was to run,toget away. Then, slowly at first, the panic receded. It simplypoured off her, draining away. She feltasif she were rising from deep water into air clear ascrystal. She looked straight into the golden eyes aboveher and said, â€Å"Go ahead.† She had the pleasure of seeing the golden eyeslook startled. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Go ahead,† Maggie said distinctly. â€Å"It doesn'tmatter. You're stronger than me; we both knowthat. But whatever you do, you can't make me yourprey. You don't have that power. You can't control me.† Delos hissed in fury, a reptilian sound. â€Å"You are â€Å". so â€Å"You wanted me scared; I'm scared. But, then, Iwas scared before. And it doesn't matter. There's something more important than me at stake here.Prove whatever you've got to prove and then I'll tell you about it. â€Å"So completely stupid,† Delos raged. But Maggiehad the odd feeling that his anger was more against himself than her. â€Å"You don't think I'll hurt you,†he said. â€Å"You're wrong there.† â€Å"I willhurt you. I'll show you-â€Å" â€Å"You can kill me,† Maggie said clearly. â€Å"But that'sall you can do. I told you, you can't control me. And you cant change what's between us.† He was very, very angry now. The fathomless pupils of his eyes were like black holes, and Maggie suddenly remembered that he wasn't just a vampire, or just a weapon, but some doomsday creature with powers meant for the end of the world.He hovered over her with his fangs showing. â€Å"I willhurt you,† he said. â€Å"Watch me hurt you.†He bent to her angrily, and she could see his intent in his eyes. He meant to frighten and disillusion †¦ †¦ and he kissed her mouth like raindrops falling on cool water. Maggie clung to him desperately and kissed back. Where they touched they dissolved into each other.Then she felt him tremble in her arms and they were both lost. It was like the first time when their minds had joined. Maggie felt a pulsing thrill that enveloped her entire body. She could feel the pure line ofcommunication open between them, she could feelherself lifted into that wonderful still place whereonly the two of them existed and nothing else mattered. Dimly, she knew that her physical self was fallingforward, that they were both falling, still clasped in each other's arms. But in the hushed place of crystalline beauty where she really was, they werefacing each other in a white light. It was like being inside his mind again, but thistime he was there opposite her, gazing at her directly. He didn't look like a doomsday weapon anymore, or even like a vampire. His black-lashedgolden eyes were large, like a solemn child's. Therewas a terrible wistfulness in his face. He swallowed, and then she heard his mentalvoice. It was just the barest breath of sound. Idon'twant this Yes, you do, she interrupted, indignant. The normal barriers that existed between two people had melted; she knew what he was feeling, and shedidn't like being lied to. -to end,he finished. Oh. Maggie's eyes filled with sudden hot tears. She did what was instinctive to her. She reachedout to him. And then they were embracing in their minds, justastheir physical bodies embraced, andthere was that feeling of invisible wings allaround them. Maggie could catch fragments of his thoughts,not just the surface ones, but things so deep shewasn't sure he even knew he was thinking them. So lonely †¦ always been lonely. Meant to be that way. Always alone †¦ No, you're not,she told him, trying to communicate it to the deepest part of him. Iwon't let you be alone. And wewere meant to be like this; can't you feel it? What she could feel was his powerful longing.But he couldn't be convinced all at once. She heard something like Destiny †¦ And shesaw images of his past. His father. His teachers.The nobles. Even the slaves who had heard theprophecies. They all believed he had only one purpose, and it had to do with the end of the world. You canchange your destiny, she said. Youdon't have to go along with it. I don't know what's going to happen with the world, but you don't have to be what they say. You have the power to fight them! For one heartbeat the image of his father seemed to loom closer, tall and terrible, a father seen through the eyes of childhood. Then the featuresblurred, changing just enough to become HunterRedfern with the same cruel and accusing light in his yellow eyes. And then the picture was swept away by a tidalwave of anger from Delos. I am not a weapon. I know that,Maggie told him. I can choose what I am from now on. I can choose what path to follow. Yes,Maggie said. Delos said simply, Ichoose to go with you. His anger was gone. Just briefly, she got theflicker of another image from him, as she had once before seeing herself through his eyes. He didn't see her as a slave girl with dusty hairand a smudged face and coarse sacking for clothes.He saw her as the girl with autumn-colored hairand endlessly deep sorrel eyes-the kind of eyesthat never wavered, but looked straight into his soul. He saw her as warm and real and vibrant,melting the black ice of his heart and setting him free. And then this image was gone, too, and they weresimply holding on to each other, lapped in peace. They stayed like that for a while, their spiritsflowing in and out of each other. Delos didn't seeminclined to move. And Maggie wanted it to last, too. She wanted tostay here for a long time, exploring all the deepestand most secret places of the mind that was nowopen to her. To touch him in ways he'd never beentouched before, this person who, beyond all logic,was the other half of her. Who belonged to her.Who was her soulmate. But there was something nagging at her consciousness. She couldn't ignore it, and when shefinally allowed herself to look at it, she remembered everything. And she was swept with a wave of alarm sostrong it snapped her right out of Delos's mind. She could feel the shock of separation reverberate in him as she sat up, aware of her own bodyagain. They were still linked enough that ithurther just as it hurt him. But she was too frightenedto care. â€Å"Delos,† she said urgently. â€Å"We've got to do something. There's going to be trouble.† He blinked at her,asif he were coming fromvery far away. â€Å"It will be all right,† he said. â€Å"No. It won't. You don't understand.† He sighed, very nearly his old exasperated snort.†If it's Hunter Redfern you're worried about-â€Å" â€Å"It's him-and Sylvia. Delos, I heard them talkingwhen I was in the wardrobe. You don't know what they've got planned.† â€Å"It doesn't matter what they've got planned. I cantake care of them.† He straightened a little, looked down at his left arm. â€Å"No, you can't,†Maggie said fiercely. â€Å"And that'sthe problem. Sylvia put a spell on you, a bindingspell, she called it. You can't use your power.†

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