“Every moment has already been lived,” Jago says. “And continues to be lived. Each choice you make causes your life to shoot off in a new direction. But at the moment of decision, all those varying choices and directions are viable—those roads are already paved. The only question is, which road will you take?”
“How do you know all this?” I stare at his handsome masked face, my head struggling to grasp the deeper implication of his words.
“People always underestimate me because of my good looks and charm, but I’m actually quite studied.” He surveys the crowd. “Also, a word of warning, the longer you stay, the easier it is to lose track—not just of time, but also of yourself. They don’t call it Tripping for nothing.” He pulls away then, and though he grins at that last part, he’s clearly not joking. “Your talisman is more than just a good luck charm. When your memory fades, it’s the only thing left that links you to home.”
When my memory fades?What does that even mean?
Braxton said something about using the talisman to remember who and when I am, but I figured he was just exaggerating. But if what Jago says is true, then why did no one see fit to mention that between the classes in equestrian and swordcraft?
“But what about the mask?” I ask. “Won’t it remind me?”
“Technology can fail.” Jago leans in, kisses the air just north of my cheek, and merges so seamlessly into the crowd, I instantly lose sight of him.