At least the replacement idol had been provided with a nice
cushion for it's unexpected fall, and all of the moaning and groaning
which Fatoo had suddenly exhibited had been a very mystical and
convincing performance and well worth the ordeal, especially since it
was Fatoo's foot and not the Emperor's.
Better yet, Fatoo had limped for such a long time afterwards that the
Royal Sorcerer's hobbled gait had provided a convenient stigma with
which to draw away any possibly adverse attention from Emperor
Euphrates' blunder in breaking the original idol in the first place. It
was all so simple; Fatoo's limp was a sign from the gods. So much for
idols.
Emperor Euphrates finally looked up, and cleared his throat noisily.
"Because of the seriousness of the accusations, I, Emperor Euphrates,
chosen of the gods, even I, shall now declare the outcome before all."
He paused, and looked round upon all present. Ampho remained frozen, as
if he were no more than a dumb idol himself. Borla was merely silent
and watchful as always. Let them all watch and learn.
Emperor Euphrates looked upon Si'Wren, and smiled as he inclined his
head graciously.
"I have examined the soul of one called Si'Wren," Emperor Euphrates
declared, "and find no fault in her.
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