Borla's grin faded, as his astute mind went on to other considerations.
"Now about the vow…?" Borla went on suggestively, and paused.
Emperor Euphrates shrugged.
"What of it?"
"Well, what is to be done with her, Highness?"
Emperor Euphrates paused for a long moment, while the entire court looked on. Then finally his look brightened.
"Let her become a Royal Scribe in my court," said Emperor Euphrates.
"My Emperor," protested Borla in confusion, "truly, forbidden to speak, your royal secrets shall indeed be safe with this fearless child, but if she can neither read nor write, of what use can she be?"
"Then have her trained, Borla!" said Emperor Euphrates.
"But—" Borla halted, trying to imagine all the difficulties of this impossible task.