Getting Caught Eavesdropping on the King and Prince (Part 1)

Transcript

And I understand that in the greater scheme of things it's not really a significant loss. Much of the town's purpose has been lost over the years as communication with the Vansk has started to dwindle, but it's not like they're going to stop there. We can't afford to gamble the northern cities in hopes that they do.

But even more so, we cannot afford to pull resources out of the south and undo the preparations we've made for the war that we know is coming. No, we cannot. Father, I hope I did not disturb you.

Sometimes it's hard to tell when you're. .. well, awake, I suppose.

I am now. Then, if you've heard. ..

Well, you must know by now. I don't know what to do. I can't just sit back and do nothing, but it feels like there's nothing that can be done.

There's always something that can be done. But I know you did not like that answer. There may be another way, if you're careful and quick.

What do you mean? An alternative, Gallant, to biting back at your own expense. And one that does not involve donning my armor ever again, either.

Like some of the guards have already begun to spread rumors of. How do you know about that? I've stopped that conversation every time I've heard it arise.

I'm still the king. And while I might not leave this room much anymore, I still learn the workings of this castle, as any king should. But that isn't important.

I did say you would have to act quickly. Yes, please. Whatever you have, I will listen.

You say they have paused? Only one town is lost so far? Yes.

Disappeared as quickly as they came, and no signs of their boats along the shore. Then I can only assume that they've gone back to reconvene and plan their next steps, much like we are doing now. What kind of people would make an act of war and then decide what their plan is? Even an animal moving on pure instinct alone can react better than that.

I agree. And despite what stories there are about the Vansk, they are far enough from animals to make plans. What happened must have been very unexpected for them.

What happened? They razed a town in a single night. Came and gone like wolves into the moon.

Whatever could they have seen that would drive them back in what was such a simple victory for them? Before I was sat on the throne, likely around your age I'd imagine, I spent some time in Vanskledam. Oh, dear.

Father, I— I am still here, my son. These are memories, but ones that you would do well to hear. Forgive me.

There's no need. Just listen. It was very much still a territory of ours at the time, though even then it was an uneasy place to be.

Still, much like I am sure you would, I tried to learn about the people, their customs, their traditions. They aren't a kingdom like we are. There are so few of them, in fact, that they only have one real village, and beyond that live closer to nomads.

You did say this did not involve crushing them. I know. Their people are important to them.

Ours are as well, of course, but the Vansk seem to hold a knot deeply rooted in their blood, binding them to one another in a way that we could not understand, I think. They view each other as family, no matter how distant. You look like you're understanding.

I— Are you suggesting that if they found one of their own here, it would be so disturbing? That they would retreat? The whole army? In and then out because of— That's insane.

If you found me waiting in the south when you arrive, would you not pull back and reconsider the entire conflict? But you are my father. Even if— Even if they see each other as close as we do, I have known you from birth.

The immigrants, few as they may be, would never be recognizable. At first glance, perhaps. But when you travel to the south, it does not take you long to learn who is from Iveria, or even who has parents that were, correct?

Are the Vansk not equally distinct? But they burned the entire thing to the ground. There are no signs of heritage to be noticed when everything is asked.

It only takes one to plant the idea in their mind and make them ask how many more there are. Supposing that is the case, what does it change? For all we know, they will just route their ships further south next time and maybe be more careful.

And I'm sure they will, which is why we need to respond now. How? By sending their own people to negotiate.

What? Father, if you have some sixth sense for what blood runs through a person's veins, the ability was not passed down to me. No, Gallant, I do not.

But I do know of one who I have kept close to the cord. Isaac, the elderly scholar. I imagine he is at least aware of others.

Perhaps that young castle guard. They seem close enough. What you are suggesting, even if it were to work, this isn't a new thought you've had.

You do not make these deductions and happen to know the right person so quickly at the time of crisis. How long have you been thinking this over? Wealth and power are seldom made without being at the expense of another.

I knew what I was doing would leave a scar on those northern people, but I hoped that I would be able to heal it over. I'm sorry that you must in my place. What? What does that mean? Did you expect all this to happen? There's someone else at the door, Gallant.

I. .. What? How? It's probably just a guard.

They're supposed to be there. No. It's a woman.

What? There's. ..

There's. .. No one else is allowed in this wing of the castle but the guards and myself.

I assure you, it is one of them. Perhaps. ..

Perhaps it's your mother. Oh. I.

.. I see. Well, I'll go and check then.

You should rest anyway. And. ..

Thank you. Oh, if only it was possible that she was waiting outside the door. Wait! Mother.

.. What? What? No.

You! What are you doing here? How did you get here? Do you.

.. Do you have any idea where you are? You can't! Oh, shit.

Quick, get inside. Yes, right now. Go on, fast.

Listen to you. Hey, move back a bit. I can barely fit.

Keep your voice down. What do you mean you can't move back anymore? Gods, it's pitch black in here.

I can't see a thing. Shh, move back a little, will you? What? A crate? Barrels? Like.

.. Everywhere. No, I didn't look before I opened the fucking door.

I just. .. I was watching the guard.

Look! I had no idea this was a storage room. Can you not move anymore? You're pressing me right into the door.

All right, I. .. All right, I.

.. Can you see outside of the keyhole? No, I can't.

I'm stuck facing the wrong way. I don't know. Can you just squat down or bend over at all? Yes, it's important.

I'll explain after you check, all right? I just need to know if he's still out there. Are you defying my orders? Right.

Good. Thank you. He's gone.

Are you sure? Not further down the. ..

You see him? Where? What do you mean he's right across from us? Oh, why? He's probably the next guard on duty to watch over my father.

I can't even remember how long their shifts are. Yes, the king, my father. No! Do not open that door.

Do you understand me? Because. ..

Can you stand back up first? You're leaning against my leg and it's falling asleep. There.

Careful! That was. ..

That was. .. Oh, that hurt.

What was that? That was my belt. Of course it hurt you.

But you hit everything else with your head as well. No, don't, don't. Stop moving, okay? Oh.

I. .. Can you really not move back? All right, fine.

Okay. Look. Do you know where you are? Yes, right outside the king's chamber.

Does that sound familiar to you at all? Like. ..

Maybe, for example, as a place that was mentioned when you started. A place that you're not allowed to go. Ever.

Shh! Save your protests and don't raise your voice. Look.

I won't cast you out and kick you out onto the streets. It's not like you saw or heard anything. Anyone can get lost in this castle.

Sure, he takes orders from me. Same as you should. But even if I were to tell him to pretend like you weren't here.

Like you had just gotten lost and it was some mistake that you won't make again. It won't stop him from talking. You know that.

You'll keep your job, but damn what rumors would spread. As if there aren't enough already. I can't imagine what they might say about me behind my back.

But you could very well get the harassment of a lifetime for it. So it'd just be simpler if we didn't find out what would happen and instead just not let him even know. Right? You think I am any more content with being stuck in here? I can't move without squeezing you against one of those crates.

But he won't be there forever. Maybe he'll come back. But he won't be there forever.

Maybe. Maybe an hour. I hope.