Although there were many venerable male professors, who sat like decaying logs in the libraries and laboratories of Tarclaver, there were no women professors in Tarclaver. No women professors with gray hair and wise-tough deeply lined faces -- like the woman who confronted her at the Anyaclaver gate.

The gunwoman ran her hands along the barrel of the gun. Helen stood still, showing neither fear nor the intention of retreating. The gunwoman grinned. "Helen." she said, as if it was a statement and not a greeting. "We have been expecting you."