_or

much dispute among the savants. Sigmund would have it so, as would his famed relative Adler Laebmauntsforscynneweëld. But, as is well know, Piaget Sfondrati-Piccolomini advances the proposition that ruination portents apply only irregularly to the distaff line, this due to their childbearing functions, the which, as he is known for saying, provide certain immunities from calamitous events due to the providence-favored innocence of babes. As to this latter, I myself have formed as yet no firm opinion, for it seems that there is some question—”
But the mage expounded no further. For at that very moment, King Roy—whose complexion had undergone in recent moments a marvelous display of the colors of the spectrum—sprang up and cried, “No!” (in a most undignified manner) and hurled himself to the floor.
“But ’tis plain as day, Your Majesty,” spoke Zulkeh to the writhing monarch, “the signs are unmistakable. For as I was saying, ’twas none other than Sigmund Laebmauntsforscynneweëld himself who enunciated that most basic principle of oneiromancy which holds that the seizure and immobilization of the tongue—”
“Stop! Cease! Desist!” bellowed Gerard, advancing to the fore. “Did I not instruct you to quell King Roy’s fears? What have you done? Your mad babble has driven the King to this state! Fiend! Miscreant!”
With this latest affront the mage’s reserve broke, even as the stately dike shatters ’neath the blow of the mighty tidal bore. Smoke and lightning issued from his ears; his eyes blazed hotly forth.
“Silence, ye witless sycophant! Abuse me not, lest I chastise you in my affront! Science is what it is, had