Standing over the bound man in the goatshed-gaol, Sif gloated his victory.

" Ha! Look at you!" he said, satisfied to see the man's eyes widen in shock upon hearing what had, until very recently, been his own voice.

Sif leaned over him.

" You think yourself powerful enough to insult a god! Now you're stuck living with the goats until I have mercy enough to cast you out," he said. " You should have expected your tongue taken, so boldly giving it to me. What else was this great lord to do when presented with it?"

He laughed a minute longer, then composed himself. The man's shock was morphing into blazing anger, though he did not move, bound as he was.

" After my morning proclamations, I shall see to what to do with you," he said. " For now! One of this god's devotees will guard you viciously while you eat."

He turned and stalked out, closing the door behind him.

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