‘But as things stand,’ Pran protested, ‘most of our people will be within the Kingdom, undefended.’
‘Yes, and unwarned,’ the Thane added. ‘And if they knew how serious the danger was, they would flee, and in so doing would draw the wrath of our Sovereign, who in turn would send out his armies, and they would still be slain.
‘Pran, I have not the resources to protect our people. Why else do you think that I have always avoided direct conflict with the King and Prince Cir? As well, their knowledge of my weakness has until now prevented this matter from coming to a head.’
Stricken, Pran muttered, ‘What have I done?’
‘Regarding the weapon made by Ralph, you have done nothing that I, nor any other in your place, wouldn’t have done without a thought,’ the Thane admonished. ‘You saw hope and the possibility of setting things to rights, and you acted accordingly, with the best of intentions.’ He shrugged. ‘Your hope deceived you, as it would have done to anyone in your place. As well, you were spied upon-’
‘Yes, and as a consequence, the enemy will undoubtedly be prompted to fall upon us like a storm-’
The Thane’s smile stopped him.