"He did ... but how came you to know of this?"
"I shall elucidate when the time has come. Likewise, did you promise certain things to this sorcerer in return for his labors?"
The Emperor's eyes smoldered with secret fury, but he said nothing.
"This you ignored, and some moons agone had the wonderworker—I believe he was referred to as a blasphemer in the sentencing—this man you had brought before you and sent to the terrible tortures of Malyat. Am I not correct?"
"That is common knowledge," asserted the ruler, uneasily.
"And he was taken to his doom?"
"My slaves seldom fail me."
"I am grateful to your majesty, for truth was essential. I have the mirror here," said the old one, abruptly.
"What wish you in return?"
"It is yours—my payment will be given me in due time."