‘I have heard, milord, that you refused Kadaspala’s request. For a portrait. And now, alas, it is too late.’ ‘Too late? Why is that?’ ‘Why, milord, because he is now blind.’ ‘I would trust his hand more now than when he had eyes to see, Ivis. Yes, I believe I would accept his request. He is at last free to paint what he will, with no argument from the world beyond.’
