> βWhat manner of city is thine? Have I, perhaps, journeyed so far that manners are no longer observed?β The Venerian word meant much more than βmannersβ; it referred to the entire obligatory code of custom by which the older and stronger looked out for the weaker and younger.
> The entire audience stirred. Matt wondered if Oscar had overplayed his hand. The expression of the leader changed but Matt had no way of reading it. βMy city and my daughters live ever by customββ She used a more inclusive term, embracing tabus and other required acts, as well as the law of assistance, ββand I have…