"Such beauty." There was
another long pause. Then he said, "Me, I know weapons, but this one has
slain me already."
Nervously, Si'Wren avoided meeting his eyes. She was ready to listen
and learn, but he was so fearsome to look upon that she found it
difficult to face him. Besides, for a woman to meet a man's stare too
openly was to appear wanton.
Yet, for some odd inexplicable reason, she somehow already felt
agreeable to fierce Mearch's tutelage. He was fittingly warned by Ibi,
and his treatment of her should not be too harsh. Although still very
much unsure of him, Si'Wren fully expected him to behave himself, in
view of Ibi's stern admonishments that she should remain safe from all
harm or harassment in his care.
"Why has the Emperor not taken her for himself?" Mearch asked, in a
disdainful and skeptical voice.
"His Majesty is fond of praise, whereas this one finds talk a bit too
cheap for her liking, even to please an emperor. Anyway she has found
special favor by virtue of her uncommon vow, and has shown iron
resistance against breaking it in the face of honed steel. As Royal
Scribe, she is sworn under oath to strictest secrecy and loyalty."
"She'll never talk, eh? And what better way to keep the king's secrets?
A great pity.
Pages:
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276