Ralph and the Pixie

‘And yet, he is not weak of character. He is, if anything, stronger than most. Have you never considered how any of us might have fared in his place?’

Pran stared at him in wonder, uncertain whether to be angry or not. ‘Then you do not hold him accountable for his actions?’

The Thane’s visage was hard to read. ‘I hold his actions accountable,’ he replied carefully. ‘Because the consequences are horrendous, and suffered always by others. But to judge him?’ He shook his head. ‘I believe that by our conduct as a culture, we do not have the right to judge.’

Pran took leave of the Thane shortly after. But was long in pondering his words.