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I, Dacien

A Story by

Onyx Tao

Copyright 2024 by Onyx Tao This work is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Creative Commons License.

This is a free cultural work

Chapter 35 Conjunction

Lord Xavien Alexander Lycaili looked over the lawn where the cousins had quartered his guard, and shook his head at the breakfast buffet Iudas had arranged. “I am … gratified, astounded, and … perhaps even somewhat little embarrassed. Eggs? I did not mean that as a request, I meant it as saying that I thought you had already gone above and beyond any sufficient measure of hospitality. But fresh eggs? For so many? And … omelettes ? To request?"

“It was not as much of a stretch as you imagine," Iudas said modestly. “I will not pretend it was effortless – what of worth is? – but it was far from the difficult task you imagine. And serving omelettes needs nothing more than a few prepped ingredients and cooks – the which I have."

“I am, as I said, gratified," Lord Xavien repeated. “I and my household thank you. On behalf of General Osaze and his force, I thank you as well. I hope to offer you and yours as gracious a reception should you visit Lycaili, even if … well, I do not think I could arrange such a breakfast on short notice. Perhaps my steward would relish the challenge. I should like, at least, the opportunity to attempt to match your hospitality. I am deeply grateful."

“No question of that existed in our minds, Lord Xavien," Dellios said. “Speaking for myself, I rather appreciate your visit. It is not often that Iudas finds such a challenge, and he enjoys them."

“True," admitted Iudas. “I will admit that when I first considered it, there were … obstacles. I did enjoy it. I freely admit that my supply chain will not stretch to the morrow for quite so many eggs, however. You and your entourage would find waffles with fruit – berries, I think – and sausage?"

“As delicious as that sounds – particularly from your kitchens and staff – His Serene Highness is due on the tide just before dawn tomorrow," Xavien said. “We will be there to greet him, and escort him inland. Which is to say, we will be unable to take advantage of your hospitality for another night. General Osaze and Warlord Ulthaft has already gone ahead to handle our overnight arrangements, and we will return – immediately – to Lycaili once His Serenity has joined us."

“I have enjoyed your visit," Iudas said quietly. “And I know Dellios is looking forward to working with the humans you've left in his care." He nodded to his cousin. “I am not the only one who enjoys a challenge."

“Even so," Dellios said. “They will be much happier when they return to you. And not merely because they are back with you."

“I know," said Xavien. “I've known for a long time that they need more guidance; I just did not have the opportunity, or, I admit, the skill. As lenses, they were critical to my practice, I could not part with them. With Socks, I can spare the time to deal properly with them. Or, at least, ask you , Guild-Senior, to do so."

“It may take some time," Dellios said.

“Between Socks and my reduced responsibilities, they are no longer so critical to my needs," Xavien said, and then added, “I do love them."

“Of course," said Dellios. “That is clear to me. I assure you, I will take good care of them."

“I am without doubt on that point," Xavien replied. “Your reception of us, and your kindness to Bryant and Dacien, are exactly the unlooked-for grace that illuminates life. I am grateful for both the kindness to us personally, and the grace of that kindness in the world at large. If there has been Leviathan complicity with these … forgive my language, but … these shameless bulls dishonoring Clan Scylla, I forgive it, on my behalf, and on behalf of Lord Teodor, and, as proxy for General Osaze, who holds the plenipotentiary power of our mission, on behalf of Lyaili. And I am pleased to do so."

“Thank you, Lord Xavien," Iudas said, slightly flustered. “You … you are too kind. I … I am ..."

“What my cousin is trying to say," Dellios interjected, “is … thank you. I too, thank you."

“Among friends, and I count you both so," Xavien said, “I understand. You are most welcome."

* * *

The Sweet Clovewater of Orochi slid effortlessly next to the pier, and Lord Xavien Alexander Lycaili stood, motionless as human-sailors looped ropes around heavy stone cleats – at least, Xavien thought the term was cleats . Everything to do with water-travel had bizarre terminology associated with it, and the fussy little brown Leviathan Portmaster was – as far as Xavien could tell – determined to inflict all of it on them. He'd gotten as far as explaining why the pier (which must, simply must , never be confused with a dock ) differed from a quay . Fortunately for Xavien's composure, General Osaze had stepped between them, taking the Portmaster's endless explication on himself. Whether that was because the General had noticed Xavien's tension, or perhaps just out of interest, Xavien couldn't tell. The important part was that the Portmaster was no longer talking at him specifically, but was addressing the group generally.

Salt-scent flooding his senses, Xavien stared out at the apparently endless expanse of water and repressed an atavistic shudder. He feared little, but … the idea of water closing over one, as one sank inexorably and helplessly down, watching the light fading away and with it, any chance of air. Xavien, himself, had enough water-affinity to survive and even rescue any unfortunates who fell in, but deep water awoke a deep terror in every minotaur, regardless of mage-status, affinity or skill.

Almost every minotaur. None of them showed it, of course, but Xavien was a mage, and instinctively aware of the health and state of everyone, human and bull, around him. He could feel the repressed fear in his guard, in Osaze, in almost every bull around him. The humans were unaffected, and the bulls onboard Sweet Clovewater of Orochi were actually feeling, if Xavien was reading them correctly, relieved. Most of them, he supposed, had conquered any fear of water, presumably replacing it with respect and caution.

Even as the endlessly loquacious Portmaster, interestingly, had overcome it. In fact …

The Portmaster is deliberately attempting to refocus his listeners on trivia, rather than leave them to contemplate the waters in silence , he realized. And it was helping Oz, and many of the guards, who listened without letting their attention drift from their charge. A kindness . Unlooked for, and all the more worthy for that. I am a fool, but nothing forces to me to remain one. How many times have I allowed arrogance to blind me? Xavien set the thought aside, and focused on the humans and bulls settling the ship into place.

The many small tasks of docking the ship – unwinding some ropes, winding others, furling sails and unfurling smaller ones, setting an anchor on the far side went quickly. A team of humans rolled the gangway that had waited on the pier into place, extending it onto the Sweet Clovewater's deck. The Prince's Guard took position on and around the gangway even as the towering indigo bull – who could only be the Prince – stepped gently down off the Clovewater and onto the pier, but he paused at the base of the gangway.

“Is the Portmaster here?" he asked.

“I am, Your Serene Highness," the brown stated.

Prince Lyo gave a half-bow. “It is right and proper that you are here. I am Lyo Oto, son of Hideyushi Oto and Hirochi Yama, both bulls of honor and distinction. I ask you, in the name of Hideyushi Oto and myself, for permission to enter and pass through the sovereign lands of Leviathan."

“It is right and proper you should ask," the Portmaster said briskly. “In the name of my Master Nahor Leviathan, and by his command, I grant you entry and passage, and offer you welcome. More. I grant entry to those on your vessel, and I welcome them." The Portmaster offered a small sealed porcelain jar to the Prince, who took it, bowed, unsealed it, and sipped the contents as he took the final step from gangway to pier.

Lyo smiled. “I thank you, in my name, and that of my fathers."

“You are welcome, to my Port, and my Master's realm."

“I am looking forward to meeting him," Lyo said with a smile.

“Your Serene Highness," Xavien said, overriding any further conversation. “I interrupt, and I regret that. But I must leave for Lycaili instantly. My Master, Patriarch Teodor Lycaili, has given orders that I have interpreted with discretion. Now that you have arrived, I may not linger, and neither can General Osaze. I cannot command Your Serenity to accompany us.

“But I invite and entreat you to do so. I have a strong force, as much to deter … banditry, shall we say, as much as anything else and … if this be the entirety of your guard, then I must further entreat you not to travel alone. If you must stay, then please, I would hope you accept the hospitality of Lord Nahor until Lord Teodor can send a suitable escort for you."

Lyo looked at the ebon mage for a moment. “You are Lord Xavien?"

“I am he, Your Highness. Since I appear to be known to you, may I introduce General Osaze and my guard?"

“The General is … not part of your guard?"

“I am accompanied by my guard," Xavien said, “and a detachment of Lord Teodor's, commanded by General Osaze."

“I see. But you are in command?"

“I am … not, Your Highness. General Osaze holds responsibility for this mission."

“Unusual."

Xavien paused. “I had assumed that Lord Luminant Frost was in touch with the Consul, and that the Consul would have made a full report, and you would understand the, admittedly, unusual command structure. If not, we will have leisure to explain it – on the road. Our original orders did not anticipate your imminent arrival, and we – the General and I – judged it within our discretion to wait for you. But only just."

“You had some mysterious …" and then Lyo's eye found a single roan, standing behind Osaze. “I see. Is that Chelm? No. Roan marque blanc , you …" and then the Prince was silent. “I understand your urgency, and am … honored you chose to wait for me." He turned back to the ship. “Barslet! These bulls must leave for Lycaili immediately . Bring my travel chest. Let the rest of the baggage wait. Leave a guard with it, and send for Consular Eo, and ask him if he could arrange transit for both to Lycaili."

“Both, Highness?"

“Luggage and guard, yes, both ."

“I will detail four guards to your luggage, Your Highness," an ebon rumbled. “And they will join us on the road . Chi-ho, Ryoto, Tae-hyun and … Tarkhan. You will see to the baggage train. Ryoto, you are in command. We will leave trail markers for you."

“I hear, Lord," a pristine said with a half-bow. “Myself, Tarkhan, Chi-ho and Tae-hyun to gather the baggage, and catch up with you on the road."

“Yes, thank you, General Oleff, that is a fine solution," Prince Lyo said.

“It is my pleasure to serve, Highness. Shall I fetch Barslet?"

“Yes," Prince Lyo said. “And then … we will go. Lord Xavien. Might you introduce me to General Osaze and … that fine-looking roan behind him?"

“I would be most pleased to do so. We have broken our fast earlier, but if you are hungry?"

“I ate on the ship, I thank you. Your return is urgent, you say, so let us … be off?"

“Yes," General Osaze said. “I thank you for your understanding. Join us, Your Highness. Lord Teodor eagerly awaits our arrival."

“I'm sure there's an interesting story here, and … we will have some time on the road, yes?"

“A sufficiency," agreed Xavien.

“I'm sure it will prove more interesting than Common Seaweeds of the Western Oceans ," His Serene Highness said with a smile.

Xavien blinked, in interest as much as anything else. “I don't believe … do … well. Fish. I suppose it makes sense there would be salt-water plants; there are, after all, freshwater plants. Perhaps I can find that volume somewhere."

“Lord Xavien, are you saying you are interested in seaweed?" asked the Prince, sounding somewhat taken aback.

“I had not intended to say that, but I do not deny a keen interest. I know nothing about salt-water plants, and botany has always been a great interest of mine, even before I became a mage."

“Jian-ji, would you recover that book from my cabin, please, as a small present for Lord Xavien? If the Captain has no objection?"

“Yes, My Prince."

“A book?" asked Xavien, his muzzle shaking into a slight grin.

“With a great many hand-colored plates," Prince Lyo added. “Of high quality, although … I cannot vouch for their accuracy."

“How delightful!" said Xavien. “I'm sure it will be fascinating. However do plants flower underwater? Or do they …" he paused, and then smiled. “I suppose I shall find out. I can practice this new and unusual virtue of patience."

“Unusual? Why unusual? " asked Lyo, as he moved to join them.

“Unusual to me, I should have said?" asked Xavien. “I can only guess how I am described in my absence – but I do not think patience or any synonym thereof would feature in such a description."

“There is a moment for everything, even patience, but now is not that moment. If we are entirely ready to depart?" asked Osaze.

“I have one final … task." Xavien said, and turned to the Portmaster. “Portmaster Hieronothus."

“Lord Xavien?" asked the Portmaster, clearly surprised to be addressed.

“I wish to express my deep appreciation of your kindness."

“I … you are welcome, of course, Lord Xavien. Although I am not entirely certain to what you refer."

“No?" said Xavien. “Your discourse on naval terminology was intended to give us something other the deeps before us to occupy our minds – was it not?"

“I," and then, “I … I hardly thought of it that way, Lord Xavien," the Portmaster said stiffly. “I meant no offense."

The ebon minotaur sighed. “I beg your forgiveness. I meant no rebuke. Rather, I admired – and admire – the thoughtfulness behind it. It was an act of kindness. I wished … I wish only to acknowledge it. There may have been a time when I might have mistaken that kindness for something else, but that would have been my failing. Your discourse was kind. Please know, it was as welcome to me as clean water in Xarbydis."

The Portmaster looked at the ebon for a long, long moment. “I … well, then I beg your forgiveness for my misunderstanding."

“There is nothing to forgive whatsoever." Xavien said. “Any fault is mine."

“I accept your kind words, and I assure you, there is nothing on my part to forgive," the Portmaster said after a moment. “If you will excuse me to my duties?"

“Of course," and Xavien stepped aside, closer to Prince Lyo, to permit General Osaze and Lyo's First Armsman to discuss the details of their route, and the security.

Xavien took a deep salt-scented breath, and was surprised by Lyo's quiet voice. “One wonders if you encountered Grandmaster Wolachya."

“Briefly," Xavien said. “He is no longer with us."

“My congratulations."

“Far too valuable for such as he," Xavien said. “When we reach Lycaili, I will, if time and your humor permit, show you my peonies. I have achieved a number of remarkable blooms in both coloration and scent, and if on that occasion, you are moved to offer praise, I will happily accept it." A slight grin twisted his muzzle. “I suppose it depends on one's interests."

“I am a calligrapher," the prince offered.

“Inkwash?"

“Yes, and illustration."

Xavien sighed as an unpleasant thought came to him. “You know Lord Teodor is mage-gifted, I think?"

“Yes, certainly," the prince said.

“And you are aware of his signature?"

“A graying effect, is that not so?"

“Call it rather an aggressive bleaching to gray ," Xavien said. “It is particularly quick to affect living or once-living things. Paper. Parchment. Hair. Pelt. Stone and metal … resists it, for a term, but anything in close proximity to Te shades to gray sooner or later, and most often sooner. Paper, ink, parchment … are especially, hmm, transient , I should say, around my Master. Unless they are painstakingly warded."

“Clothing?"

“I fear so. As a mage he was known as Lord Fog , and insisted the name celebrated a remarkably clever combination of magics that summon a great fogbank. But … it is also true that all things around him fade to a deep gray sameness that he … loathes, I think, although he is too practical to give way to it."

A golden bull leapt onto the ship's railing to call down. “Xe! What are you saying?"

“I am saying that His Highness' calligraphy will vanish in hours without some care, Tumo! You are about to leave for Mosura, aren't you."

“In a few hours, when the tide turns, yes, of course. We brought some things for the Consular, relief for his guards, any number of things … but surely you can stay for that?"

“He cannot," the Prince called up. “He has explained it to me, and I am amazed he has delayed long enough to meet us. Tumo, why not come with us? Your charge was to deliver me to Lord Teodor, was it not?"

“An official reception from the Regent of Lycaili is more than sufficiently … delivered , Your Highness," said the golden bull. “I have carried out my charge, and having done so, I must return to my duties in Mosura. Must, Your Highness."

The Prince paused. “And when is the last time you took time for yourself, Lord Luminant Frost?"

Tumo looked taken aback. “I had a day at Shozu just last year."

“Tumo, I charge you in my name to present my thanks to your Master. And along with my thanks, you will tell him that I am concerned about your personal life, and I remind him of his responsibilities! Will you deliver my message?"

“I will happily convey your appreciation, Your Highness, but I must question the remainder. My welfare is not your concern."

Prince Lyo simply smiled. “Perhaps not … Lord Xavien, have you the ability to reach Taiki Oto?"

“I regret not," said Xavien. “I have never met him."

“Pity."

“I am tempted to agree, Your Highness, but Lord Luminant Frost is correct about his responsibilities," Xavien said. “Were I in his place, I do not think I could enjoy a forced vacation, knowing that a workload that staggers me is added to my colleagues' – who already stagger under their own responsibilities. I would ask you not add that to Lord Luminant Frost's burdens."

Lyo took a breath. “You are … not wrong, Lord Xavien, to remind me of that. It is a truism that mages with certain gifts – your gifts, to be precise – are too few. And yet, you are bulls, and do not merely deserve some time for yourselves, but need it, every bit as much as you need water and food."

“You are not wrong, Your Highness," the golden mage said. “I assure you, my Master takes sufficient care of me. Although I may lack the leisure to visit Lycaili, I am not without leisure. My time on this ship has been, in truth, a respite, and the return journey will be only moreso. I am entirely certain that Captain Ru will not perch on the bowsprit while we are at full sail."

Xavien blinked. “I … why … I do not think I want to know, but … why do you say that?"

“You should ask His Highness," the gold said dryly.

“I … might have done that," Lyo admitted, almost sheepishly. “I was in no danger."

The ebon mage's eyes snapped to the thin bowsprit stabbing into the air, and then returned to the Prince. “Even if that be true, it was …" he paused. Xavien considered his own visceral reaction to the thought of anyone , prince or officer or even a human sailor, out on that thin spar of wood. Foolish ? Reckless? Terrifying? Xavien settled on, “Unkind to the crew."

“It was," Lyo admitted. “Nevertheless, as I said, I was in no danger, that was probably the only opportunity I'll ever have to do such a thing, and it was glorious ." The Prince took a deep breath. “I will cherish that experience forever. And I have every confidence the crew will be able to put their consternation behind them. I, too, must take the occasional moment and experience for myself. Had I wasted that opportunity, I would have regretted that for the rest of my life – and regret is a poor way to spend a life."

“And your guard's concerns? The concerns of all around you? Your Highness ?"

“They are free to petition for some alternate posting, if they feel unequal to this one," Lyo said. “Most of the time, I accept being wrapped, handled, staged, delivered, posed, dressed, rehearsed, and managed. Most of the time. I would think, Lord Xavien, that your rank would bring many of the same limitations."

“But you are not a mage," Xavien said flatly. “Have you been to Xarbydis, then?"

“It is not a customary pilgrimage for my family, Lord Xavien, or for anyone other than a mage, in our lands."

“I suppose not," the Ebon said, turning to the still-silent gold at his side. “Let us save some conversation for the road. I do not anticipate attack, but these pseudo-Scyllan motivations and intents are murky, to say the least. General Osaze, if you would?"

“Of course, Lord Xavien. This way, Your Highness."

* * *

The column fell together fairly quickly; Leviathan Port might have the same twisted and confusing structure of Leviathan itself, but it was both smaller than the proper Leviathan Maze, and once out of the Port, there was a wide stone road leading towards Ungoliant, Ouroborous and Venrir, and Lycaili beyond them. Once they were on the road – and some consultation between General Osaze and Lord Xavien – they stopped for the General to address them. “Lord Xavien has two thoughts for our safety. The first, is a matched temporal march. The humans and Mage Dacien will require assistance, of course."

Osaze turned to look at Prince Lyo. “You and your guard are familiar with this protocol?"

“I am," Prince Lyo said. “General Oleff? Will that pose any difficulty?"

“None whatsoever, Your Highness. Although neither Lord Xavien nor Mage Dacien will be able to use their magic to sense ahead of us. With your permission," and the General turned to Osaze, “and yours as well, General, I would deploy some scouts."

“An excellent idea, and I have already deployed several bulls in that capacity," Osaze replied. “I would be delighted to add your strength to my scouts – could we reopen the topic tonight?"

Oleff considered for a moment, and then nodded. “Yes. I will admit, neither I nor my bulls know anything about the territory, and … my warriors might be better employed as guards, if that would release bulls who do have some experience in the area."

“Not as much as I would like; not until we're back in our own lands, but some, yes. That is another excellent idea, General Oleff. Lord Xavien, your other thought?"

“I can construct an artificial veil, and maintain it for a … half-mile radius, or so," Xavien said. “It will obstruct any use of tempus within its boundaries. I expect it to prevent any use of tempus . None of the grandmasters of my acquaintance have been able to break it. I cannot, of course, construct or maintain such a thing while in tempus ."

“Useful, then, for our rest. But it could be broken?" Lyo asked.

“As I said, none of the grandmasters of my acquaintance – Havel, Kanail, Arpthos, and Chelm – were able to do so. It may be that a stronger or more skilled grandmaster might be able to break it, and a mage might be able to affect it. But it cannot be broken without my knowing. If – a very tenuous if – it be broken, I will know instantly, and I will know where instantly," Xavien said. “I will know who instantly. And regardless of how far into tempus such a bull retreats – provoking the attention of a mage is unwise."

“But even you cannot target a bull who is out of phase," Lyo said.

“I cannot," Xavien agreed easily.

“You do not need to do so, then," said Lyo.

“I do not," said Xavien.

“Then I shall trust your magecraft, Lord Xavien, and ingenuity," the Prince said.

“I would recommend my Master's ingenuity, or Chelm's, or even Dacien's, over my own laughable efforts," Xavien said. “I am not ingenious, I am no brilliant innovator, I am merely … experienced. And I have the entire ingenuity of my clan to draw upon."

“I understand," the Prince said. “And yet, have you not expanded the limits of magic and time yourself?"

“A few," Xavien said. “And nothing to compare with the great mages that have come before me."

“Ah," the prince said softly. “Your precursors took the obvious techniques, leaving only a few crumbs for you to uncover?"

Xavien laughed. “You puncture my hubris with skill, Your Highness. You are exactly right. Still, there was a time when I wanted – hoped, even – to discover something … something amazing, something that would leave my colleagues in awe, and perhaps even inspire them in their own efforts."

“But you no longer want that?"

“I would not refuse it," Xavien said dryly. “But no, that is no longer my goal."

The Prince waited for a moment for Xavien to continue, before replying. “You would leave me in suspense?"

“Suspense? How?"

“You hint at a new and different goal."

Xavien nodded. “Yes. I understand now I have been – unintentionally – cruel. Brusque. Intolerant. Unforgiving. There are reasons, of course, that led me in that direction, but I will make no excuses. I am … I am deeply grateful for the kindness I have encountered on this trip. Consul Eo. Guildmaster Iudas and his cousin, Guildsenior Dellios. Nils. Portmaster Hieronothus. Even yourself, Your Highness. It is not a virtue I prized, previously, but … I understand, dimly perhaps, but I begin to grasp its beauty. It does not have the stern perfection of integrity, nor the clear path of duty, nor the satisfaction of scholarship, but …" and the ebon mage paused.

“I have my own thoughts on the matter," Lyo said into the quiet. “But I find your thoughts … very different. Not in opposition, just … a vantage much removed from mine."

“I would welcome your vantage, then," Xavien said. “I … I have come to these conclusions slowly, piece by piece, and I feel like a bull opening his eyes for the first time. But there is a … great joy, I might say, in kindness. It is … a gift. To the world. To others. Almost without limit. And others … seem to come to it naturally." Xavien sighed. “It is not, I think, a virtue associated with ebon."

“No," said Lyo. “It is not. Ebon virtues are integrity, strength of conviction, and … aggressive rectitude."

“Obstinate blindness, sometimes," said Xavien.

“Not a virtue, but certainly associated with ebon, yes," said Lyo. “Do not diminish those strengths simply because they are yours, Lord Xavien. Do I guess rightly that those around you use you as a touchstone to measure their own integrity? For, that, too, is ebon . Do I guess rightly that you inspire them to be better, to strive harder?"

“No," said Xavien, with a snort.

“Yes," interrupted Osaze. “Lord Xavien, His Serene Highness is exactly right. You are … regarded as an exemplar of a mage, as a warlord, as a general."

“I was a terrible regent," Xavien offered.

“That was not your fault. Defeat is not failure, and … you had no way of knowing you had been sabotaged," Osaze said.

Xavien considered this for several long minutes. “I … I do not … You see it that way? Truly?"

“I do. And I, like Consul Eo, am in no little awe of your ability to admit that defeat. Your integrity, Lord Xavien, is … a guiding star for all."

“A year ago, I would have dismissed your words as a mere kindness, but … if you assure me they are not, then you have given me much to think of. And I have recently come to realize that mere kindness is not mere ."

“You did not think well of kindness?" asked Osaze?

“No," said Xavien. “I did not see it as a proper virtue. I … I must take thought for where I came by that particular foolishness. It feels … ingrained, from youth, mayhap?" The ebon thought for a further moment. “I fear you are right that I am something of a model."

“Fear?" asked Prince Lyo. “Why, fear ?"

“Because I do not think the person I was was a good model," Xavien said. “No. I go further. I do not want anyone to take my previous self as a model. Arrogant, self-absorbed, prideful, oblivious … these are not the qualities I want to champion."

“Lord Xavien," Osaze said dryly. “May I make an observation?"

“Please."

“I do not excuse you from those flaws, but you do yourself disservice in not recognizing your diligence, your perception, or your unfailing assistance. Yours was always the first hand extended to help. Do you think anyone was unaware of the grueling schedule you set yourself around Lycaili? That you labored until Lycaili's needs were met, before you even thought of your own? Chelm modeled himself on you – unquestionably. And you cannot say that young bull turned out poorly."

“And yet," started Xavien.

“No," said Osaze. “No more, My Lord. Why is it that you cannot be kind to yourself ?"

Xavien simply looked at him.

“Ah," said Prince Lyo. “I know that one!"

Xavien turned to look at the Prince, who simply smiled back at him.

“You will not enjoy hearing it, I fear," Lyo added.

“Perhaps not, Your Highness, and yet, I would hear it regardless."

“You are arrogant in your humility," the Prince said.

Xavien blinked.

And, for the first time in years, burst out laughing.