[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
hangings framing the single window, except the window was on the left. The
oblong table desk held four neat stacks of papers. An oak armchair was set at
each corner of the inner side of the table desk, while the third was behind
the desk, centered on the painting of the Palace one that showed the Palace
from the south, clearly in full summer. There were no bookcases.
Alseryl stood directly behind the table desk, using it as a barrier between
him and Dainyl. His welcoming nod was less than perfunctory.
I appreciate your taking the time to see me, offered Dainyl.
I could do no less. Alseryl seated himself.
Dainyl took the chair closest to the window, moving it slightly so that
Alseryl would also be looking toward the window when he faced Dainyl.
I am normally most politic, Dainyl. You might call it indirect, but among
High Alectors, indirection will usually suffice. With you, I cannot be certain
of that, not with your . .. background. So I will be less indirect, much as
that pains me. Alseryl smiled.
Dainyl disliked the expression, because it conveyed trust, honesty, and
concern, and behind the smile were none of those.
First, I can see that your Talent carries a tinge of green, and that is not
normally acceptable for an alector, much less a High Alector, let alone the
High Alector of Justice. I can understand the regrettable nature of the
injury, and the service performed, but green is green, especially in these
times.
True enough, countered Dainyl, but both Duarches are aware of the injury
and its causes, and the green that resulted has not greatly troubled either.
Those words created a momentary, if hidden eonsterna
tion, but Alseryl smiled quickly. I am glad to hear that. As you may know,
High Alector Zelyert had great concerns about the future of Acorus, and about
the need for a strong framework to ensure that we do not become a mere tool of
the Archon or a dumping ground for those who have fallen out of favor in
Illustra. You have already demonstrated that you are cut from the same
shimmersilk as Zelyert in the matter of restricting long translations by those
who would weaken Acorus and shorten the years of useful lifeforce. Alseryl
smiled once more, this time condescendingly. Dainyl nodded. I believe I
have.
In the other matter, however, your actions, however well intended, have
proved less than satisfactory in assuring a framework on which we may build a
strong Acorus.
Dainyl had a strong suspicion where Alseryl was heading, but he offered a
frown meant to convey worry and concern. I am glad you are being direct,
Alseryl, because I had thought my actions were totally in line with preserving
the Duarches.
It has come to my attention that you informed both Duarches of the pending
transfer of the Master Scepter to Efra. In doing so, you reduced the Talent
force available to each. Could you explain how reducing the power of the
Duarches strengthens Acorus?
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Alseryl couldn t be that stupid. That meant more was at stake. As you well
know, Alseryl, Dainyl replied, I am a Myrmidon, and I have spent all of my
adult life as one, or preparing to be one. In dealing with conflicts and
opponents, a Myrmidon learns that there are many kinds of strength. An alector
who has massive Talent, but who is unable to use that strength except as
another wishes, is often weaker than one with lesser Talent and more
flexibility. The shadowmatches prevented either Duarch from considering what
might be the best course for Acorus were the Master Scepter not to be
transferred here. My goal was not to weaken either Duarch, but to give them
greater applied strength to deal with the difficulties ahead. In fact, whether
you were aware of this or not, Zelyert was pressing me~to reveal the transfer
to Khelaryt for some time before I did. Dainyl let the truth of that escape.
" For a moment, just a moment, Alseryl was silent. I find that hard to
believe, despite your apparent honesty, but perhaps that is because of the
greenish tinge to your Talent, a tinge always associated with wildness and
rebellion in the past, although you certainly have been the model Myrmidon for
many decades, always serving, following orders effectively, and never
questioning the reasons behind those orders.
While keeping his shields fully in place, Dainyl had been absorbing the Talent
impressions of the chamber. He observed that there was a Talent concentration
behind an apparent boss in the crown molding at the top of the paneled wall
that held the painting of the Palace, and that power was similar to what he
had sensed with Rhelyn s portable lightcannon. Doubtless it was aimed at
him or whoever was seated before the desk. It was positioned high enough and
the chairs were set far enough back that the energy would not threaten
Alseryl.
Any alector who has perception is cautious when caution is merited. I have
observed that some who had the greatest reasons to be loyal have not been so,
and some who seemed less supportive of the Duarches have been far more loyal.
Seldom is what one sees all of what is.
The truth goes beyond mere vision. That is true. Alseryl nodded.
So does reality, and what is includes more than what many would call the
truth.
For an alector reputed to be direct, your words are somewhat obscure,
Dainyl.
All I was suggesting is that each individual s idea of truth does not usually
encompass all of reality. Dainyl shrugged. Although many have claimed that
knowing the truth will set a thinking being free, I ve found that such
truths reflect a selective vision of the world. Selective visions restrict
freedom of action, and such restrictions also reduce an alector s
capabilities.
That sounds perilously close to rejecting the views and guidance of the
Duarches and the Archon in favor of your own predilections.
I must not have made myself clear, Alseryl. The more one perceives, the more
ability one has to carry out the policies of the Archon and the Duarches. Or
to understand why they should not be carried out.
That is an intriguing observation.
How have you found working with the other High Alectors? asked Dainyl. I
have yet to even meet Jaloryt and Zuthyl. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
zanotowane.pl doc.pisz.pl pdf.pisz.pl ocenkijessi.opx.pl
hangings framing the single window, except the window was on the left. The
oblong table desk held four neat stacks of papers. An oak armchair was set at
each corner of the inner side of the table desk, while the third was behind
the desk, centered on the painting of the Palace one that showed the Palace
from the south, clearly in full summer. There were no bookcases.
Alseryl stood directly behind the table desk, using it as a barrier between
him and Dainyl. His welcoming nod was less than perfunctory.
I appreciate your taking the time to see me, offered Dainyl.
I could do no less. Alseryl seated himself.
Dainyl took the chair closest to the window, moving it slightly so that
Alseryl would also be looking toward the window when he faced Dainyl.
I am normally most politic, Dainyl. You might call it indirect, but among
High Alectors, indirection will usually suffice. With you, I cannot be certain
of that, not with your . .. background. So I will be less indirect, much as
that pains me. Alseryl smiled.
Dainyl disliked the expression, because it conveyed trust, honesty, and
concern, and behind the smile were none of those.
First, I can see that your Talent carries a tinge of green, and that is not
normally acceptable for an alector, much less a High Alector, let alone the
High Alector of Justice. I can understand the regrettable nature of the
injury, and the service performed, but green is green, especially in these
times.
True enough, countered Dainyl, but both Duarches are aware of the injury
and its causes, and the green that resulted has not greatly troubled either.
Those words created a momentary, if hidden eonsterna
tion, but Alseryl smiled quickly. I am glad to hear that. As you may know,
High Alector Zelyert had great concerns about the future of Acorus, and about
the need for a strong framework to ensure that we do not become a mere tool of
the Archon or a dumping ground for those who have fallen out of favor in
Illustra. You have already demonstrated that you are cut from the same
shimmersilk as Zelyert in the matter of restricting long translations by those
who would weaken Acorus and shorten the years of useful lifeforce. Alseryl
smiled once more, this time condescendingly. Dainyl nodded. I believe I
have.
In the other matter, however, your actions, however well intended, have
proved less than satisfactory in assuring a framework on which we may build a
strong Acorus.
Dainyl had a strong suspicion where Alseryl was heading, but he offered a
frown meant to convey worry and concern. I am glad you are being direct,
Alseryl, because I had thought my actions were totally in line with preserving
the Duarches.
It has come to my attention that you informed both Duarches of the pending
transfer of the Master Scepter to Efra. In doing so, you reduced the Talent
force available to each. Could you explain how reducing the power of the
Duarches strengthens Acorus?
Page 201
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
Alseryl couldn t be that stupid. That meant more was at stake. As you well
know, Alseryl, Dainyl replied, I am a Myrmidon, and I have spent all of my
adult life as one, or preparing to be one. In dealing with conflicts and
opponents, a Myrmidon learns that there are many kinds of strength. An alector
who has massive Talent, but who is unable to use that strength except as
another wishes, is often weaker than one with lesser Talent and more
flexibility. The shadowmatches prevented either Duarch from considering what
might be the best course for Acorus were the Master Scepter not to be
transferred here. My goal was not to weaken either Duarch, but to give them
greater applied strength to deal with the difficulties ahead. In fact, whether
you were aware of this or not, Zelyert was pressing me~to reveal the transfer
to Khelaryt for some time before I did. Dainyl let the truth of that escape.
" For a moment, just a moment, Alseryl was silent. I find that hard to
believe, despite your apparent honesty, but perhaps that is because of the
greenish tinge to your Talent, a tinge always associated with wildness and
rebellion in the past, although you certainly have been the model Myrmidon for
many decades, always serving, following orders effectively, and never
questioning the reasons behind those orders.
While keeping his shields fully in place, Dainyl had been absorbing the Talent
impressions of the chamber. He observed that there was a Talent concentration
behind an apparent boss in the crown molding at the top of the paneled wall
that held the painting of the Palace, and that power was similar to what he
had sensed with Rhelyn s portable lightcannon. Doubtless it was aimed at
him or whoever was seated before the desk. It was positioned high enough and
the chairs were set far enough back that the energy would not threaten
Alseryl.
Any alector who has perception is cautious when caution is merited. I have
observed that some who had the greatest reasons to be loyal have not been so,
and some who seemed less supportive of the Duarches have been far more loyal.
Seldom is what one sees all of what is.
The truth goes beyond mere vision. That is true. Alseryl nodded.
So does reality, and what is includes more than what many would call the
truth.
For an alector reputed to be direct, your words are somewhat obscure,
Dainyl.
All I was suggesting is that each individual s idea of truth does not usually
encompass all of reality. Dainyl shrugged. Although many have claimed that
knowing the truth will set a thinking being free, I ve found that such
truths reflect a selective vision of the world. Selective visions restrict
freedom of action, and such restrictions also reduce an alector s
capabilities.
That sounds perilously close to rejecting the views and guidance of the
Duarches and the Archon in favor of your own predilections.
I must not have made myself clear, Alseryl. The more one perceives, the more
ability one has to carry out the policies of the Archon and the Duarches. Or
to understand why they should not be carried out.
That is an intriguing observation.
How have you found working with the other High Alectors? asked Dainyl. I
have yet to even meet Jaloryt and Zuthyl. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]