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"The table of my master is laden. Let us eat," she said.
Dinner in the palace was a major event, presented in an
elaborate style. Sturm enjoyed sitting on the floor at the low
table, though Lady Ilys provoked a minor crisis by insisting
that a proper chair be provided for her. It was not decent,
she said, for a well-born lady to squat on her haunches like
the family wolfhound.
As the diners - including Sir Radiz, Artavash, and Soren
- were busy hacking open their first course of melon, Lady
Ilys said, "Lord Mukhari, may I ask how you came to rule
this country? Your servant," she gestured to Artavash,
"admits not being native to Kernaf."
The alchemist, who sat by a plate heaped with fruit,
replied, "I was marooned on the south coast of Kernaf by
men of my own land."
"What land is that?" asked Sturm.
"Moranoco, or as you call it, the Plains of Dust."
"You were exiled then?" said Lady Ilys. Without
looking, she handed a napkin to Sturm. The boy blotted
melon juice from his chin.
"Indeed, lady; as you are now, so was I once a hard-
pressed refugee. By my skill in the Art, I won the loyalty
and affection of the people of Kernaf. I know the straits you
are in, which is why I make you welcome
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