Heard is only part of the problem.

Caphans recognise that a small number of their race are born with "far sight", to see the future or past or things far off. These men are dedicated to the Order of Raathi, first Emir Gaath's spiritual guide whose visions led Gaath to his throne.

But the key word is "men". The ancient scrolls make no mention of such an important gift being given to a mere woman. They do tell of deceptive desert spirits called Nomead that call to travellers in the dark and lure them to their deaths, and some legends hold that Nomeads can possess people and make them speak in strange tongues or prophesy - but always with evil intent. Therefore if a woman seems to have the sight then the logical conclusion is that she is either possessed by a Nomead or had had illicit congress with one. Either one is bad.

Vespiir's problem isn't just getting to speak, it's getting past all that prejudice so she'll be believed.