When we were finished, the Prince said, "Have you any further questions concerning the matter we discussed last night?"
"One." While I felt no qualms about being rude to his son, I was reluctant to treat the elderly man the same. "You really have been planning this for a long time?"
"For most of my life."
"Then why didn't you respond? Offer to help us--at least offer a place in your alliance--when Bran and I sent our letter to the King at the start of winter?"
The Prince paused to take a sip of his coffee. I noted idly that he had long, slim hands like his son's. Had the Prince ever wielded a sword? "There was much to admire in your letter," he said with a faint smile. "Your forthright attitude, the scrupulous care with which you documented each grievance, bespoke an earnestness, shall we say, of intent. What your letter lacked, however, was an equally lucid plan for what to do after Galdran's government was torn down."
"But we did include one," I protested.
He inclined his head. "In a sense. Your description of what the government ought to be was truly enlightened. Yet…as the military would say, you set out a fine strategy, but failed to supplement it with any kind of tactical carry-through." His eyes narrowed slightly, and he added, "It is always easiest to judge where one is ignorant--a mistake we made about you, and that we have striven to correct--but it seemed that you and your adherents were idealistic and courageous, yet essentially foolhardy, folk. We were very much afraid you would not last long against the sheer weight of Galdran's army, its poor leadership notwithstanding."
I thought this over, looking for hidden barbs--and for hidden meanings.
He said, "If you should change your mind, or if you simply need to communicate with us, please be assured you shall be welcome."
It seemed that, after all, I was about to go free. "I confess I'll feel a lot more grateful for your kindness after I get home."
He set his cup down and steepled his fingers. "I understand," he murmured. "Had I lived through your recent experiences, I expect I might have a similar reaction. Suffice it to say that we wish you well, my child, whatever transpires."
"Thank you for that," I said awkwardly, getting to my feet. He also rose. "I wish you a safe, swift journey." He bowed over my hand with graceful deliberation.
I left then, but for the first time in days I didn't feel quite so bad about recent events.
"One." While I felt no qualms about being rude to his son, I was reluctant to treat the elderly man the same. "You really have been planning this for a long time?"
"For most of my life."
"Then why didn't you respond? Offer to help us--at least offer a place in your alliance--when Bran and I sent our letter to the King at the start of winter?"
The Prince paused to take a sip of his coffee. I noted idly that he had long, slim hands like his son's. Had the Prince ever wielded a sword? "There was much to admire in your letter," he said with a faint smile. "Your forthright attitude, the scrupulous care with which you documented each grievance, bespoke an earnestness, shall we say, of intent. What your letter lacked, however, was an equally lucid plan for what to do after Galdran's government was torn down."
"But we did include one," I protested.
He inclined his head. "In a sense. Your description of what the government ought to be was truly enlightened. Yet…as the military would say, you set out a fine strategy, but failed to supplement it with any kind of tactical carry-through." His eyes narrowed slightly, and he added, "It is always easiest to judge where one is ignorant--a mistake we made about you, and that we have striven to correct--but it seemed that you and your adherents were idealistic and courageous, yet essentially foolhardy, folk. We were very much afraid you would not last long against the sheer weight of Galdran's army, its poor leadership notwithstanding."
I thought this over, looking for hidden barbs--and for hidden meanings.
He said, "If you should change your mind, or if you simply need to communicate with us, please be assured you shall be welcome."
It seemed that, after all, I was about to go free. "I confess I'll feel a lot more grateful for your kindness after I get home."
He set his cup down and steepled his fingers. "I understand," he murmured. "Had I lived through your recent experiences, I expect I might have a similar reaction. Suffice it to say that we wish you well, my child, whatever transpires."
"Thank you for that," I said awkwardly, getting to my feet. He also rose. "I wish you a safe, swift journey." He bowed over my hand with graceful deliberation.
I left then, but for the first time in days I didn't feel quite so bad about recent events.
( Sherwood Smith )
[ Crown Duel ]
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