The Unfortunate, стр. 49
Banan remained quiet initially before adding, “You may be requested to advise on occasion, but you are not the advisor.”
No, he was not the advisor, and he did not need to be reminded of it either. Before Gildas could acknowledge the comment, however, the prince continued, “Considering you once held a position of power, I imagine you yearn to be reunited with those privileges.”
“I am not power hungry. I feel I am privileged enough, and I prefer a more relaxed lifestyle.”
“But you would not refuse the position of the advisor.” Banan allowed a moment before again speaking. “King Wyman is much like my father. They are both stubborn, and they refuse to acknowledge a man’s true worth.”
The owner of the academy thought he understood what had been implied, but he wanted to be certain. “What sort of claim is that?”
Banan sat upright and looked at Gildas. “Your fighters were former prisoners, yes?”
He nodded.
“But you gave them—murderers, thieves, and rapists—a second opportunity. You were able to see their true worth when all others branded them as mere criminals.”
“Yes.”
The prince smiled. “I admire that. It is a quality of a good man, a trustworthy man. I therefore have a proposition for you to consider.”
A proposition? The comment had been unexpected, and Gildas was not entirely sure what to think. It was difficult to imagine Banan would go as far as to appoint a new advisor during his father’s absence, but it was not an impossibility. The owner of the academy continued to ponder the situation and what the proposition possibly entailed. What if I am being offered a position at Armania’s court? And if so, why? Are there no other deserving nobles in Armania? Whether there were or not, he would be unable to accept. He could never, and he did not hesitate to express his feelings with a reply. “I thank you, but I shall not abandon Winnix. My allegiance will always remain with King Wyman.”
“Loyalty.” Banan smiled. “Another characteristic I admire. I wish there were more men in here in Armania who I could consider trustworthy. I would do many things to obtain such individuals, but I would never try to make one alter his morals.” The prince hesitated a moment as he gazed to the opposite side of the pit, but he eventually added, “There is something more.”
Gildas was relieved he would not have to make a scrupulous decision, but he remained confused. If not a position in Armania, what does the prince’s offer entail? Despite mixed feelings he did his best to remain composed as he inquired, “What would you have of me?”
Banan again smiled. “Your fighters, what is their worth?”
He was dumbfounded. “You wish to—?”
“Buy them?” the prince finished the inquiry and continued to smile. “Yes. Just as you did, I, too, can see their potential, and I would have them for my father’s army.”
“But they are not even half-a-score. How could they possibly change the face of an army—?”
“If you do not wish to part with your fighters,” Banan calmly interrupted, “I understand, but do not be hypocritical. We both know their worth, so do not claim you are ignorant and that you do not know how effective they could be in battle. Their count may be fewer than ten, but their skill is worth perhaps twofold.”
Gildas looked to the pit and considered the offer. Everything the prince had asserted was true. And selling his fighters would introduce chances for a new life and perhaps a return to power. And is that not what my wife would want? How many times has Engle asked me to end the academy? He at last nodded and looked back to the prince before requesting clarification. “What do you have to offer? These men are criminals. They fight for their own causes. They would have to be promised something if you wish to gain their absolute loyalty to Armania.”
“Do not worry. I would see them properly rewarded.” For the first time, Banan looked to the fighting pit with interest. “Each man will receive his share of coin in addition to his freedom. You have my word.”
✽ ✽ ✽
All the fighters looked at Gildas when he entered the holding area, but no one spoke. Perhaps for the recruits, the silence was the result of having been witness to the deaths of men who they had seen only hours prior. Perhaps that was the reason, but it was more than the recruits. Even the veterans appeared dejected as if they were able to sense what was to follow. But despite the melancholy atmosphere, the owner of the academy dismissed his scruples and waited several moments before offering words that came naturally and without thought.
“You call yourselves the Unfortunate. I cannot think of a better title for a company of murderers, thieves, and rapists. Because of those crimes, all of you became unknown, unwanted, and unneeded, but that did not imply you had no purpose. I was able to see your worth, and I have realized I am not the only individual who understands.” Gildas paused and inhaled deeply. “His Highness, Prince Banan, was impressed by today’s fights. So much in fact, he would have you join the ranks of Armania’s army.”
The men responded with sighs, complaints, and even spats, but the master of the fighters was not surprised by the reactions. He had anticipated worse.
“I have never considered myself gluttonous in any sense,” Gildas continued. “Despite what some may believe, I do not see wealth as being most significant. The luxuries I enjoy were earned or are the products of my own toils. It was I who built the academy, and it was I who selected the fighters.” He had again paused momentarily. “If you still think yourselves as the Unfortunate, then it is only a name with little significance. I understand if your current emotions are anger, frustration,