‘His unreasonable demands on the Loremasters had an unfortunate consequence. He would not hear those who spoke reasonably. That, of course, left only those lacking in scruple.
‘Previous to this occurrence, the Loremasters were a self-contained caste, who promoted those most fit to lead their Order from within their own ranks, as no one else was qualified to do so. The King, however, took it upon himself to change this, and his interference has brought about the present group who now serve him.’
The Thane made a sigh of frustrated anger. ‘The truth is that they do not serve the King. They do not because they can not. The King demands the impossible, which they have no choice but to promise to deliver. To survive, they make a show of pandering to the Kings’ delusions, to curry the King’s favour and influence. As things now stand, both they and the King are now hostages to his madness.’
‘You once mentioned the Tsagoroth,’ Doc said, refilling his glass of ale from a jug on the table. ‘What are they?’
‘Suffice it to say,’ the Thane replied in a carefully measured tone, ‘that they are made beings, and that they are a great evil.’
‘Made by whom?’ Doc asked him.