As Bakura assumed, Anton didn't press on that issue. He had suspected it was sensitive and painful and Bakura's answer confirmed that it was; it also confirmed that there had indeed been some kind of stasis involved. That was enough, for now, and it explained a few things about Bakura himself.

The return question was an interesting one, and at first Anton remained quiet in order to consider his answer. At last he said, "A place of learning. I didn't learn to read or write until I was into my third century. I didn't understand the power it could have until then--to conceptualise ideas, to ... create. Egypt is an ancient land which used words as power, and you have seen the similarities between hieroglyphs and sigils. When I realised what they could do, I realised perhaps they could help me establish a place of safety for others, regardless of creed or merit. It was not the only place I sought knowledge. In those days, during the war, I could only snatch time wherever we happened to be, if there was opportunity. But whenever we were in Egypt--I learned."