A short time later, after dismissing all the other courtiers, Shupansea pattedthe comer of her divan and called Hakiem to join her. "Tell us. Wise One," shesaid with a smile,"what do you see in this determination of the Setmur to buildanother boat that we do not see?"
The storyteller sank heavily onto the cushions; formality disappeared, as itusually did when they were alone. "When one reaches my age one learns toappreciate the value of time. One of the few advantages of being an empress, oreven a prince, is that you rarely have to make a decision in a hurry. In short,I was afraid that in your haste to determine if the boat were truly needed forfishing you might overlook the greater problems involved here."
"You're speaking in riddles," the Beysa scolded. "We have always been frank witheach other. Is this new boat necessary?"
"I haven't any idea, though I suppose I'd trust the opinion of those who maketheir living catching fish. My point is that, needed or not, the boat should bebuilt if you are to begin solving your greater problems."
"That is twice you have mentioned these greater problems. Speak plainly, WiseOne; after a day with our courtiers and subjects we have no patience forriddles."
Hakiem rose and began pacing. "The greatest problem is the friction between ourpeoples. There is far too much killing and hating going on; every day it gets alittle worse, not better. If we are going to live together in Sanctuary withoutdestroying the town and ourselves, there must be peace, and peace must beginsomewhere."
Shupansea leaned back, regarding him with hard, staring eyes that were oldbeyond their years. For a moment she was the Beysa again, the Avatar of the