Someone Else's Kingdom, BOOK II - Scene XXXIX

Prince Estorie stood there with a questioning look on his face. His time on Brynnyfirdia had been long, and by now it was a home from home, but still, some of the customs and ways confounded him. The latest drama especially so.

"But why are we letting him go free?" he asked Colm, not for the first time.

"Because I believe him," came the calm reply, "..He did it out of anger. He admits this himself. So it's all forgotten."

The heavy talk was of Eartaria, and his jolt across to the mainland. Taking with him the captive Coulema Galina. The young prince's loyal protector. A rash episode, and one that could only look like an act of betrayal to any casual observer.

"But the black powder," pleaded Estorie, furthering his point, "Surely it was him who funnelled it to them. Essen's right, it can't be a coincidence that they now possess it."

"I don't think he gave them it, I take his word," continued Colm, unfazed, "Plus, let's say he did give it, what then? We could hold a court and try to ascertain the truth, but it would take time - time we don't have. And what then? It wouldn't change the situation. The mainland kingdoms would still have it."

"So, we just trust him?" answered Estorie, only mildly placated and still largely unconvinced.

"He's a hot-headed idiot, he's not a traitor. At least not intentionally, anyway," cracked Colm. His casual air adding a confidence in his appraisal. "Still though, you don't have to trust him. You don't have to do anything. We just have to concern ourselves with the here and now."

Colm then headed over to the now infamous map lying on the table, this time more concerned with the inner world than the outer. He ran his hand around the entire landmass of the Harbour Lands. Everything but the far northern edge closest to Brynnyfirdia lay conquered.

"He's not the only hot-head," he lamented, as he overlooked the dire situation, "Essen is insisting he be given a ship to cross the narrow straight, to help fight the rearguard action. I've asked him not to. I think we need to concede that that island is lost. Re-focus on the sea to protect our own ..but he's determined to die. His absence has grown a guilt in him that makes him desperate for honour."

"I want to go," gestured Estorie, the mention of honour stirring in himself a similar need. The hunger in his voice stiffening with the words; his now full grown frame mirroring the ambition - forgetting the higher tasks his father had requested he fulfil.

"You for sure can't go," stated Colm, in a deliberate tone. He then looked down at the map again. "But don't worry, when the war comes here you'll get your chance to die as well. Not even your father can stop that. Essen leaves at first light tomorrow. You should wish him well, it's unlikely he'll return."