Chapter 31

Rory felt as though his tongue was tied up in the bottom of the sea, for all the good it did him to become human. He had felt more humiliation in one hour than he had in five years at home. Course after course went by, all of it tasting wonderful: *list of dishes* yet Rory found no satisfaction with them. As Rani engaged every so often with the men, Rory was as silent as a sea urchin.

At last, the king slowly turned to Rory. "Now, what is it that you desire an audience with me?" he asked.

Rory took a deep breath. Here was the moment that he would set things to right; here was his chance to prevent bloodshed.

"There is a building by the river that emits a horrible waste that is killing my people," he said. "And yours as well." Although he tried to look the king square in the face, he had his body and gaze turned toward his daughter, until she translated for him.

Look at me! Rory wanted to scream. "You have to shut it down," he said.