He had never heard his
Emperor refer to the gods in the singular like this, and seeing Si'Wren
present with her tablets, instantly suspected the truth and seemed to
shrink back visibly from Si'Wren's openly blasphemous notion of only
one God.
"God--is," said Emperor Euphrates, as if ruminating to himself.
An awkward silence ensued.
"Highness," interrupted Borla finally, "if I may speak of important
matters pertaining to the camp. I have made my morning rounds. A
foraging party was sent out, and has just returned with unfortunate
news. Two of the men in their group departed from the main party to go
off on their own in search of better fare. They were surprised and set
upon by a most fearsome-looking creature with great saber-teeth. Both
of them perished. Utterly torn asunder. Unfortunately," Borla
concluded, "it seems that the hunters became the hunted, for their lack
of vigilance."
He went on, "Nevertheless, they were only seeking provisions for the
camp, and I gave permission for an honorable burial to be made."
"Ah, yes. Is not vigilance ever and anon, a most curiously wanting
virtue?" pronounced Emperor Euphrates. "Well done, wise Borla."
"The wisdom of your judgements exceeds that of all men, Highness,"
Borla said in unthinking self-deprecation.
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