authenticity.â€
I nodded, watching the last pieces of paper blacken and curl.
“Too,†he said, “to whom could I, or you, report what we have found? We do not
know who is privy to the plot and who is not.â€
“That is true,†I said. With the stick I prodded the charred remains of the
papers, crumbling them to black powder in the ashes.
“This is not like you,†said Scormus.
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“What?†I asked.
“This,†he said.
“What?†I asked, angrily.
“I do not think you can so easily rid yourself of unwelcome realities, my
friend,†said Scormus, “whatever you might esteem them to be.â€
I did not respond.
“Do you think to put the torch to truth?†he asked.
I did not answer him.
“I cannot be done,†he said.
“Many manage,†I said. Indeed, I knew a world predicated on lies and the
perversion of nature. It was called Earth.
“Perhaps,†he said.
I jabbed down, angrily, at the ashes. Then I threw away the stick.
“But,†he said, “I doubt that you would be very good at it.â€
“No,†I said. “I do not think I would be very good at it.â€
“You cannot even walk a tightrope,†observed Lecchio.
“True,†I said.
“However these matters fall out,†said Scormus, “they have now begun.†He then
walked back to the height of the clifflike side of the hill, that with the
crashing waves at its foot. I joined him there, with the others, my friends,
whom I must soon leave. WE all looked out to sea. IT was a vast fleet. The first
ships had already come to the harbor of Brundisium.
“It has begun,†said Scormus.
“Yes,†I said. “It has begun.â€
Norman, John - Gor 20 - Players of Gor.txt Page 57