Last Knights Page #2

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But your sword is to be passed to an heir.

I am merely your retainer.

You are the heir to my spirit.

Our bond has been earned, not inherited.

- No, sir...

- Take the sword.

- You be safe.

- Of course.

Be well, my love.

- You ready, Commander?

- Yes, My Lord.

We have the gift

for Minister Gezza Mott?

Yes, it's all taken care of.

- Gabriel.

- Commander.

- Thank you for this great honor.

- I knew your mother and father well.

If they were still among us,

they would be very proud.

- So it begins again.

- So it does.

Sit down. Sit down.

Sir, may I ask you a question?

Of course.

You've known the Commander

a long time, yes?

Since I was your age.

Is it true he was not born

into the military class?

He comes from peasant stock.

Orphaned as a young boy,

entire family died of the fever.

Is that when Lord Bartok took him in?

No. Much later, when he was a young man.

- Why do you ask?

- Stories circulate about him.

They say he was cruel and murderous

without conscience or honor.

For many years,

he was given to the drink.

The dark fog made him violent.

Does knowing this

change your respect for him?

One is to be admired

for rebuilding thyself,

not judged.

Now get some rest.

Long journey ahead tomorrow.

Welcome, Lord Bartok.

- Your journey went well?

- Quite.

It can be long.

It seemed short.

I see you've come bearing a gift.

It's customary for an official visit.

- A robe.

- A fine robe.

You may also keep the box.

Did your retainer attend to the gift?

No, I chose it personally.

Very well. We'll begin early tomorrow.

There is obviously much to do.

I look forward to your review

of the new protocols.

Yes, and in addition to that, we'll get

the chance to discuss the challenges

which face the future

of the Bartok lands.

I don't think he liked the color.

If I'd known what you'd intended,

I would've insisted you bring something more.

More? I gave him the box too.

This is not a matter of amusement.

He has taken this as a personal insult.

- Tomorrow I will bring a more suitable gift.

- You will not.

And in my presence, you will refer

to the Minister's demand

as it really is... a bribe.

Adopting the language of the pretense

only serves to ease participation in it.

My Lord, I think that perhaps now

is not the time to take such a hard stand.

And if I ease my approach now,

at what crossing would you recommend

I stand my ground?

When they've taken half my land?

When it comes to a point

where I have to exercise my own tyranny

over those beneath me

to support the bribes of those above?

Who does he think he is?

Perhaps he did not understand

what is expected of him.

He understands perfectly.

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