It was an oft and well-practiced suffix,
to signify that it was Emperor Euphrates's own decision, rather than
that of an underling such as Borla.
* * *
That evening, as Si'Wren prepared herself for the long journey, on
which Ibi could not come because of his extreme age and many
infirmities, Si'Wren learned from her mentor of truly shocking news.
There had been a great commotion in the city gates, said Ibi, after the
royal procession had passed by. A huge crowd of evil men had stormed
through, and beaten off the elders of the city and taken over the
gates. Many were killed.
Si'Wren's eyes grew large and serious at the hearing of this.
Then Ibi, still ailing and in a very weakened physical state, put a
heavy hand on her shoulder, and said to Si'Wren, "Among the dead,
little one, was one of great and noble reputation, called Habrunt."
Si'Wren stared up at Ibi, eyes disbelieving.
"Aye," said Ibi quietly, with a woeful, tired nod. "I knew of him, and
of your love for him. When two such hearts as yours and Habrunt's beat
so strongly for one another, even the deaf can hear that noble drum
beat. It was said of him that while the elders all fled like cowards to
save their own skins, Habrunt remained in spite of his injuries and
rose up to his full former stature, and knocked down his first attacker
with a staff of hard wood which the sword had failed to cut in twain
despite repeated blows.
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