Borla cast about for the proper words, seeking to assuage the harshness
of his legal status, seeing how obviously fond his Emperor Euphrates
was of the girl.
"I mean..." Borla hesitated. "After all," he shrugged innocuously, with
an engaging show of teeth, "it could not have been a very powerful
idol, for all of that, if it could not even prevent itself from being
broken by a mere girl."
"Customarily, the subject is sacrificed to the idol," remarked Emperor
Euphrates in round-about congruence, "and not the other way around. It
is a powerful sign, is it not?"
"It is all of that, Highness," Borla agreed, displaying more of his
uncharacteristic crocodile grin.
Borla's grin faded, as his astute mind went on to other considerations.
"Now about the vow...?" Borla went on suggestively, and paused.
Emperor Euphrates shrugged.
"What of it?"
"Well, what is to be done with her, Highness?"
Emperor Euphrates paused for a long moment, while the entire court
looked on. Then finally his look brightened.
"Let her become a Royal Scribe in my court," said Emperor Euphrates.
"My Emperor," protested Borla in confusion, "truly, forbidden to speak,
your royal secrets shall indeed be safe with this fearless child, but
if she can neither read nor write, of what use can she be?"
"Then have her trained, Borla!" said Emperor Euphrates.
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