Books In English "City Of Illusions" Ursula K. Le Guin | Page 80

"I'm not sure." In fact, though Falk had gradually determined that he
would not lie no matter whom he spoke to or how chancy the truth might
seem, he did not know why he had come to this decision. "To—to use the
enemy's weapon is to play the enemy's game…"
"Oh, they won their game long ago.—So you're off? Go on, then; no
doubt it's time. But I shall keep your companion here a while."
"I told her I would help her find her people, Prince."
"Her people?" The hard, shadowy face turned to him. "What do you
take her for?"
"She is a Wanderer."
"And I am a green walnut, and you a fish, and those mountains are
made of roasted sheepshit! Have it your way. Speak the truth and hear the
truth. Gather the fruits of my flowery orchards as you walk westward,
Opalstone, and drink the milk of my thousand wells in the shade of giant
ferntrees. Do I not rule a pleasant kingdom? Mirages and dust straight west
to the dark. Is it lust or loyalty that makes you hold to her?"
"We have come a long way together."
"Mistrust her!"
"She has given me help, and hope; we are companions. There is trust
between us—how can I break it?"
"Oh fool, oh desolation!" said the Prince of Kansas. "Ill give you ten
women to accompany you to the Place of the Lie, with lutes and flutes and
tambourines and contraceptive pills. I'll give you five good friends armed
with firecrackers. I'll give you a dog—in truth I will, a living extinct dog,
to be your true companion. Do you know why dogs died out? Because they
were loyal, because they were trusting. Go alone, man!"
"I cannot."
"Go as you please. The game here's done." The Prince rose, went to
the throne beneath the moon-circle, and seated himself. He never turned
his head when Falk tried to say farewell.

VI
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