"Of course I do," Merlyn says, reaching over to pat her hand. "Otherwise, I should be a rather poor excuse for a tutor. Or a wizard, for that matter. Both professions rest rather heavily on one's own belief in changing things, you see."

He settles back again, considering for a moment before adding almost to himself, "As for time loops, not at all, no. I've never had the inclination for that kind of nonsense. Time is quite enough of a pain, without meddling in it any further. Even," he adds thoughtfully, "if I could, and I'm not at all sure that I can."