Folly of Wise Men

Seven Lies

How did you know?" Samira asked, mildly impressed.

"I took a guess; she mentioned a herb given to her by someone, and if I remember correctly, you were the last person to talk to her."

Samira sighed. "She is a brilliant woman, but that was careless of her, and you are observant. With right guidance you can be,"

She looked thoughtful for a moment and then nodded to herself. "We leave at dawn. Be ready by the stables; I will meet you there."

I went back to my room. A few hours hence, I saw Mihai reentering our room and searching for something. He exclaimed, "Aha!" as he extracted a phial of verdant elixir brewed for hedonistic endeavors.

"With this," he declared, grinning, "we are absolved from grappling with inadvertent consequences and tarnished reputations."

He looked at me and smiled sheepishly. "You can have the room to yourself tonight. I take it you are leaving tomorrow, am I right?"

"I am."

"Where are you planning on going?"

"Around"

"I have been lost once; those fretful days were dreary. If you would like, you can come with me."

It was a genuine offer from a man who had seen the emptiest of days. Unfortunately, there was another offer that I had already considered—a benediction that still vexes me to this day.

"I already have something on my mind. Thank you for the offer though, it was kind of you."

"Oh I understand, your decorum is preventing you from giving an honest answer."

"Excuse me?"

"I understand, truly. You don't want to learn the art of testing the water of propriety. You don't to become woe of the husbands and wives."

He shook his as head in disappointment ."Such a shame you are not of liberal mindedness. There is a lot of potential,"

He lowered his face into his hands to feign melancholy.

I let out a sigh and said. "You are a strange man. I fret for your safety if this is how you act day and night."

He put on a thoughtful disposition. "I am not sure about the days, but at nights my witty tongue had found its way to pleasant situations,"

I let out an irritated groan. "I don't to want to learn of your escapades in starlit hours,"

He looked at me in amazement. "Chaste and pure!" He exclaimed. "You are quite a catch for a lot of self important sahebs."

I let out a weary sigh. "Go on and rut, you arse."

"Oh, you're suchan easy boy to incite, " He grinned and then let out a girlish giggle. "Oh I love annoying people, it is so gratifying and addictive."

Noticing my annoyance he added, "Oh, do not pout, I will leave you alone, for pleasure calls to me." He threw the vial in his sack and said, "I will see you tomorrow with content blush and heavier purse,"

He put on a solemn disposition: "May you relish intellectual solitude in peace."

He took a few steps, stopped, and turned. 'You can use our wide berth for your...' he paused, cupping his mouth to whisper, '...for your amorous pursuits. Just make sure they are in proper condition,'"

"Thank you!" I cut him off. "Perhaps my cheeks would fair better without wine to confuse my intellect."

"A cautious rake." He said, bowing his head. "You have my respect. Make sure think about my offer and do leave stains in the be-"