Page 6 - The Rule of E audio flipbook Apr 3 2017

“I hate you!” E cried, her face burning with anger.

“Hold back!” Swie implored her, running up and laying down

at her feet. “One day you will find a way out of your terrible situation,
but only if you use your wits, not your anger.”
“BARK! BARK!” is what grandfather heard, and he

ignored the ugly dog who was blind and useless.
But E listened and kept her mouth shut for the rest of the

evening, serving grandfather his dinner just the way he liked it, and
cleaning up afterwards like a saint.

When she crawled into her ducky sack, her muscles burning
with exhaustion and her mind in a swirl of rage, Swie climbed on her

tummy and licked her fingers, as dogs do when they smell food and
want a little extra dinner.

“What am I to do?” E asked in
exasperation. “I am nearly a woman now,

and I have eyes for a boy in the village who
is handsome, clever, and kind. I think he

likes me too, for he brought me a bouquet
of wildflowers when I was out working in

the fields yesterday. His name is Yaj and
when I see him, my belly flutters.”

“He is well-known as a fine young
man,” Swie told her. “For my nose tells me much, and I can smell a

man’s goodness. He would make a fine and loyal husband.”

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