How many years hast thou, Hâkim?' Francis Crawford's real age. Something the Dame de Doubtance had known and the girl Marthe had not. Something which, building up mastery over a strong and heterogeneous company of battle-tough men, he had never revealed. Timeless as Enoch … 'I am twenty-six,' Lymond said. And flinched as Míkál, his eyes dark with pity, leaned forward dry-lipped and kissed him once, on the cheek, before turning lightly and swiftly to walk through the door.
In this passage from Dorothy Dunnett's "Pawn in Frankincense," Francis Crawford, also known as Lymond, is asked about his age. Despite his youth, he carries an air of timelessness and experience, much like the biblical Enoch. The Dame de Doubtance knew his true age, but he had not revealed it, highlighting a mystery surrounding his character. He claims to be twenty-six, yet others perceive him as older and more seasoned.
During this moment, Míkál shows compassion and respect, leaning in to kiss Lymond on the cheek before departing. This gesture underscores a nuanced relationship among the characters, hinting at underlying bonds and the complex emotional landscape they navigate. Lymond’s concealed age and the reactions of those around him suggest layers of hidden history and personal depth.
