XIV
Rora’s Largesse
(Day 109 on Tashoo)
(Afternoon)
I wasn’t certain how much the Aka’ knew about Rora’s pay as garden guard, but I decided to
assume they didn’t. “Great One, my master is paid only 50 akandoo a day to perform his duties
as a guard at the gardens.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that several of the Aka’ looked suspiciously at the Ka’yno,
especially Mu-Naka. However, he acted as if what I had revealed was common knowledge. “Yes,
so?”
“I would ask that, because his duties will be increased since he will be guarding me and assisting
on digging the ditch, you would give my master an increase in pay.”
“WHAT!? What makes you think that he should be paid more just because of increased duties?”
“Because, Great One, you are known for being magnanimous and caring toward your people.” It
was with great difficulty I kept a straight face as I told such an obvious lie. But, the Ka’yno
didn’t notice the sarcasm in my praise and puffed up a bit. I continued, “Plus, since my master
will actually be performing three duties, garden guard, ditch digger and my guard, he will be
much more willing to perform the extra duties, if he is receiving extra pay.”
“How much of an increase are you asking for?”