On Thu, 22 Jul 2004, Mark A Mandel wrote: > In point of fact, after >200,000 years no name or word or language would > be recognizable. Given the correction factor of perhaps x30, and the continuous control of territory by one culture, I don't know if I agree. For example, when someone refers to "breaking the stick" from the 6th cycle, is she translating? Could someone important who lived the entire time (and was much at court) single-handedly stabilize the language? <cough> sethra </cough> But could she? Remember the interlude in SL, it shows how her tates and personality have changed over time, I would imagine her command of the language would as well. Otherwise, she would occasionally make a comment that would be out of place (time), and given how rarely she speaks, it would have been noted. Still, the question of the effect of Sethra Lavode on Dragearean history is a good one, although the answer would require a bit of space. (Perhaps another 17 novels, if Steven ever loses intrest in Vlad?) Jeff _________________________________________________________________ MSN Toolbar provides one-click access to Hotmail from any Web page – FREE download! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200413ave/direct/01/