‘I understand also that you have inadvertently forced my hand where present circumstances are concerned, by making it known that you have access to weapons of some considerable importance. Since you have played a part in precipitating civil war, I am assuming that these weapons hold some decisive advantage.’
Pran said nothing at first, his gaze inward. Ralph glanced at him and almost groaned aloud. Pran was stricken with remorse for something he couldn’t have prevented, and by what he would have to tell the Thane.
The Thane leaned forward. ‘My friend, I do not wish to belittle your loss by ignoring your grief, but our need is urgent.’
Raising his eyes to the Thane’s, Pran said quietly, ‘It would not be fitting to air my grief here . . . but as to the weapons you speak of . . .
‘There is only the one. It was made at my request, and I had hoped that the technique used to fashion it could be taught to others, that they could be made in great quantity. In this I was mistaken. Also, I was spied upon . . . which is how knowledge of the weapon spread, and perhaps explains how present events became precipitated . . .’
The Thane leaned back in his chair, his features a mixture of anger, disappointment and understanding. But he took a deep breath and shook off his reaction. ‘Well, it is done, then. But I forget my manners. Will you not make introduction of your companions? From the strange attire of these Men, I can tell that they are strangers here. This young woman is obviously of the Pixie folk, and I would guess, unless by eyes deceive me, that she has adopted the sort of attire worn by her companions. Is it true that she was the one “banished” just prior to your resignation last year?’