This flattered Emperor Euphrates in no small wise, a
fact of which Borla was well aware, although he took utmost pains not
to touch upon it in any false light or pretense.
"Aye!" Emperor Euphrates laughed harshly. "Quite enough ceremony for
the occasion, I will grant!"
Emperor Euphrates turned then to Si'Wren, and said, "Scribe, you will
study further, to show yourself approved, for I would hear more of this
Invisible God."
Si'Wren, marveling at the open-handedness of her powerful rival,
Borla, merely bowed to Emperor Euphrates in formal acknowledgment.
Then, in a more engaging tone of voice, Emperor Euphrates went on and
said, "Almost, little Si'Wren..." he paused, looking at her wistfully,
"...almost, you persuade me to believe in your remarkable Invisible
God. Your arguments are--most entertaining."
Si'Wren blinked, and hid her disappointment as she bowed again even
lower this time.
As Emperor Euphrates turned away to discuss other matters with Borla
and the Captains, Si'Wren looked down at the sticks of her ruined clay
frame. The frame was, she could see, beyond saving. She dropped the
pieces, and they fell in an irregular criss-cross upon the uneven pile
of moist clay lumps, which she regarded for a long, silent moment.
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