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The other four ether as one

"Six women bear witness to your cri We went into the night not to claihts for ourselves, but for the sake of Illijah, that she ht be free of you"

Fahstu turned to Ashan "Andrah, surely you will not take the word of women over a loyal Sharum?"

Umshala looked up as well "I can consult the dice if you wish, Holy Andrah"

Ashan scowled, knowing as well as any what answer the dice would bring "Do you wish to confess, son of Fahstu, or shall we clear your na support where there was none At last he shrugged "What difference does it make what I do withI have committed no crime"

Ashan looked to Ichach "He is your tribesman, Damaji What say you to this?"

"I rule in favor of the husband," Ichach said without hesitation "It is a wife’s duty to work and support her husband If he cannot pay his debts, the failing is hers and she should pay the price, even if he decide it be on her back"

"Or her knees," Dahed

"The Da looks of surprise "For prostituting his wife, Fahstu shall not be punished" A wide smile broke out on Fahstu’s face at the words, even as the eyes of the new Sharuan to weep once more, and Uvona put an ar to the Skull Throne," Inevera went on, "he is found guilty The sentence is death"

Fahstu’s eyes widened "What?"

"U reached into her hora pouch, pulling out a s de knew to avert their eyes, but the rest of the rooht, deafened by the thunder

When their eyes cleared, Fahstu son of Fahstu lay halfway to the great doors, his chest a charred, s ruin The smell of cooked meat permeated the room

"You push fast and too hard, Damajah," Qeva said "The Damaji will revolt"

"Let them, if they are such fools," Belina said "Ahmann will not weep if he returns to find the entire council reduced to a scorch on his throne room floor and his sons in control of the tribes"

"And if he does not return?" Melan asked

"All theas possible now," Inevera said "Even Abban the khaffit has more soldiers than I"

"Kha’Sharum," Qeva said derisively "Not true warriors"

"Tell that to Hasik," Inevera said "The Deliverer’s own bodyguard, brought down and gelded by the khaffit They say the sa, but I would take any of Enkido’s spear daughters over a dozen Spears of the Deliverer"