Renauld Talks about Zuc-Swaine

Shade asked, "You're sure?"

Rene answered.  "If both you and Jack agree to this, then I will witness your duel.  If for no other reason than to keep both of you intact and alive.  And what young woman does not want to have two young men fight for her attentions?  But I would not want Jessica's reputation sullied by a duel ending in a death.  So, yes...I will arrange this Coeur de Toulon for you, and ensure it is done right."

Shade smiled.  "I knew you would go for it."

Rene laughed.  "I am a helpless romantic.  It is true."

"Rene, on a different topic.  Do you mind if I ask you what you think of Lucien Zuc-Swaine?"

Rene's demeanor became serious.  "The King of Oth?  Much like the seasons...or the giants oaks beyond the fields...it feels like he has always been there.  He saved this land from cataclysm over 500 years ago, and has been our king ever since.  For some twenty-five generations he has ruled, and kept us safe.  I can't imagine the world without Zuc-Swaine."

Shade took measure of where this was going.  "No doubt he is great and powerful.  And important to our survival."  Shade paused for dramatic effect.  "But last night, as I fell off to sleep, I was pondering why going near the gate is forbidden...or why certain ways of thinking are banned and punished.  It just made me wonder why certain things are the way they are."

Rene took on more comforting tones.  "Ah.  You have not told me where you are from, but I imagine you may be from Vesh.  I have heard that people there are more skeptical of our King.  Perhaps they have an inclination to strain at the yoke of his leadership more than most.  But, the answers to your questions are simple.  The Gate of Oth leads back to the ruined world.  The devastation brought about in the Great Cataclysm.  There are some that have toyed with the gate, and brought great harm to Toulon.  Brought horrible monsters through the gate by way of their tampering.  Others have passed through the gate never to return.  The King simply wishes to keep us safe.  And if a few people too curious to follow the law put us all in jeopardy, then harsh punishment seems the only answer that makes sense."

"As to the forbidden thoughts or beliefs.  I believe you might be referring to the Order de L'interdit, and I can't blame you for being subtle in your asking.  But, I assure you that you can trust me, and I understand your curiosity.  It is said that there are those in the Order that would like to return the Three Kingdoms to the ruined world of Kempin.  This thought process is sick...and murderous.  Zuc-Swaine barely managed to save us, and the Order's beliefs would reverse his efforts, and doom us all.  No one blames the farmer when he culls the herd of a diseased animal, to prevent the rest of his animals from dying.  And no reasonable man can blame the King for culling our society of the Order's dangerous beliefs."

Shade nodded.  "I see.  But the King.  Is he a good man?"

Rene laughed.  "Do good men exist?  I'm not sure I've ever met one.  You have stolen Jacob's lover, and now seek to do violence to defend your claim.  Jacob covets Jessica, and is willing to do violence to regain his possession, with very little thought as to what Jessica wants.  Jessica for her part, seems to lack the loyalty and chastity that most would define as good, for she is playing two boys against each other.  I for my part, have done good and bad in my life.  Those I treated well, see me as good.  Those with which I have had conflict, see me as bad.  So firstly, I protest the question on the grounds that no one is truly good, and few are completely bad."

"But Zuc-Swaine...he is the savior of the Three Kingdoms.  He is the patron and benefactor of the magical academies in the city of Bassot.  I myself was trained in one of them.  The people of the Three Kingdoms live in relative peace and comfort.  There has not been a single war in the new world.  Not a single plague of any significance.  Those few who starve to death, do so despite the bountiful help provided to the poor by our King's government.  Is it perfect here.  No?  But, if one judges Lucien Zuc-Swaine by his results, then one would have to conclude he is more good than bad."

Shade mustered his most natural fake smile.  "You have set my mind at ease, my friend.  I can't thank you enough."

Rene began talking about his preparations for the duel, but Shade's mind was somewhere else.