Theocles of course did not buy Lapitus's claim about the dream he supposedly had.
It was too vivid, too descriptive, and too much filled with symbolism.
Lapitus also did not bother to make it believable either.
He only wanted to euphemistically confirm whether he could be absolved of his oath by swearing fealty to the new goddess.
He chose to do so in such a roundabout way because Lapitus felt a bit ashamed to open himself up too directly, for he felt it was like he was confessing to some sort of crime.
Thus it was fortunate for him that Theocles was skilled enough to accurately determine the key point behind Lapitus's request, and thus answered accordingly, reassuring him that he was no oathbreaker… if he only followed this new religion.
And Lapitus needed no more encouragement.
Ordinary people might be unable to sympathize with his thought process, but for a career, straight laced soldier such as him, an oath weighed heavier than gold.
