"Consider it a favor to me," said the young man, whose mentors say is a candidate for military or political greatness.

The mentor said that is a decision for the family to make.

"I won't waste your time," his former mentor said, the moment Sergei sat down beside them.

"Leave them feeling as children who have just been praised by their fine old father," a mentor had said.

The mentor says, "If you want," and shakes his head sadly.

"The engine is not connected to the wheels," my mentor said.

Abulurd stood frozen, as if he couldn't believe what his mentor had said.

"My mentors said the same thing of me," he said, then seemed to catch himself.

His mentor says that he needs to have a better show business gimmick.

"Let the chain be unbroken," her stern mentor had said.