“Yes,” I said bitterly, “ I am a fool.”

She turned away from me, robes swirling. Then she turned and faced me. Slave!” she sneered.

“ I do not understand,” I said.

“ I took the liberty,” said Samos, “ though at the time I did not know of your injuries, your paralysis, to inform her of what occured in the delta of the Vosk.”

My right hand clenched. I was furious.

“I am sorry,” said Samos.

‘It is no secret,” I said. “It is known to many.”

“It is a wonder that any man will follow you!” cried Talena. “ You betrayed your codes! You are a coward! A fool! You are not worthy of me! That you dare ask me if I could care for such as you, is to me, a free woman an insult! You chose slavery to death!”

“why did you tell her of the delta of the Vosk?” I asked Samos.

“So that if there might have been love between you, it would no longer exist,” said Samos.

“You are cruel,” I said.

“Truth is cruel,” said Samos. “She would have to know sooner or later.”

“Why did you tell her?” I asked.

“That she might not care for you and lure you from the service of those whose names we shall not now speak.”

“I could never care for a cripple,” said Talena.

“It remained yet my hope,” said Samos, “ to recall you to a lofty service, one dignified and of desperate importance.”

I laughed.

Samos shrugged. “ I did know until too late the consequences of your wounds. I am sorry.”

“Now,” said I, “ Samos, I cannot even serve myself.”

“I am sorry,” said Samos.

“Coward! Traitor to your codes! Sllen!” cried talena.