On impulse, Si'Wren
turned and hugged the woman, who embraced her desperately in return.
"What is to become of these, your Highness?" Borla inquired dutifully,
bowing low even as he indicated Si'Wren and the other woman with an
extended palm.
Emperor Euphrates, who had remained motionless and impassive before the
excited crowd throughout the entire phase of the punishments, softened
his gaze as he finally permitted himself to formally take notice of the
two women again.
"One called Si'Wren," said Emperor Euphrates, "fainted not in her hour
of trial. I, even I, have not observed so great courage, as was found
in this little one! Borla, you have been rightfully bested in Royal
Court by this brilliant child."
"A thousand pardons, Highness," responded Borla.
He bowed low, and while Borla was bowing, he was unable to see Emperor
Euphrates incline his great head as he smiled at Si'Wren merrily.
The girl's eyes flashed with momentary astonishment, as she remained in
respectful attendance and stood awaiting his word, and Borla rose again
to full stature with a grand flourish.
Borla continued observantly, "Of a truth, Highness, this mere babe in
her innocence has scorned fearlessly the edge of the sword and bested
Borla in all of his wisdom and power, even as his munificent Highness
has declared.
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