"I would prefer," said Kliomenes, "that he did not wear a mask".
23
182
"Surely you must understand," said Policrates, "that his identity must remain concealed".
23
183
Policrates gestured about himself, to the tables.
23
184
"What if one here should turn traitor, and later identify and betray our guest, say, for gold? Or, what if his features might be seen by a slave, say, a mere serving wench, who might later, herself being sold or given away, inadvertently, by her reaction, give suspicion as to his identity?" Kliomenes nodded glumly, and turned again to his wine.
23
185
"Do even the slaves here know that I am the courier of Ragnar Voskjard?" I asked.
23
186
"Of course," said Policrates.
23
187
"To celebrate your arrival, and the bringing of the pledge of the topaz, this very feast has been commanded.
"I would prefer," said Kliomenes, "that he did not wear a mask".
"Surely you must understand," said Policrates, "that his identity must remain concealed".
Policrates gestured about himself, to the tables.
"What if one here should turn traitor, and later identify and betray our guest, say, for gold? Or, what if his features might be seen by a slave, say, a mere serving wench, who might later, herself being sold or given away, inadvertently, by her reaction, give suspicion as to his identity?" Kliomenes nodded glumly, and turned again to his wine.
"Do even the slaves here know that I am the courier of Ragnar Voskjard?" I asked.
"Of course," said Policrates.
"To celebrate your arrival, and the bringing of the pledge of the topaz, this very feast has been commanded.
- (Rogue of Gor, Chapter )