“Attempted desertion threatens us all,” she replied, sternly, “though it grieves me to have to be so severe. My responsibility is to the community, nevertheless. Had she escaped as she planned, and fallen into the hands of mortals, she might have betrayed us. Hopefully, she will have learned her lesson.”
“Indeed, my lady… if she has survived.”
“I once survived for over twenty years without blood, centuries before your time, sealed beneath the temple of Inanna by the soldiers of Gilgamesh. I do not recommend it… but she will have survived, at all events. Bring her out.”
As the attendants lifted the naked, chained figure from the sarcophagus, several members of the assembly had to suppress gasps of horror. Even the fair lady’s impassive face took on a slightly softer aspect, but she kept all evidence of pity or weakness out of her voice, as she ordered another pair of attendants to come forward with a long mirror of polished bronze.