floatedThe other belched. “You are very witty, Lord.”
“Your response to this supposed miracle intrigues me,” said the king. Your piety overwhelms me.”
“Oh, that. Upon my arrival, nothing happened for quite some time. I was still overheated. Here was this inviting pool. Perhaps I had forgotten myself a little when you found me.”
“Ah.”
Aleando belched again. “Pardon me while I perform my obsequies to the god of rude noises. I am sure that if I search among the idol-stalls long enough, I can locate that particular divinity.”
Ekitares stiffened at the mention of false gods. He had come to purge away such trash.
The poet reached out. “Would you help me?”
The king eased the fat man out of the pool.
“I suppose it is actually good to see you,” Ekitares said, though he did not smile.
The o
