The third day was much like the second, but this time, Newhouse began to inject something new into the discussions—presumably suggestions from Captain Smith.
"Would it be possible, Your Splendor, to have the young Shannil's consort return home for a space of—say, ten days?"
A wary look came into the old woman's eyes, but the smile never left her face. "The Shannexa's home is Oassi," she said smoothly.
"True, true. We apologize for the error in terminology. Let us say, rather, that we would like to have him visit his previous home."
The Shanni looked almost apologetic. "It would be my pleasure to allow the dear child to revisit his old home," she said, "but, alas, it cannot be."
"Indeed?"
"I fear not. The ancient laws of Oassi are very strict on that point, and I would not dare to violate them. Even the Shanni is not all-powerful. My people would disown me if I violated so powerful a taboo."
"Just what is this—ah—law, Your Splendor?"
"A very ancient one, Your Supremacy. No royal consort may leave his wife until he produces his three eggs. Three off-spring, in other words, of which at least one must be a girl."
"Ah, well, of course, we would hesitate to ask you to violate so powerful a law. We will be content to wait. But you will permit the visit at that time?"