The Complete Krondor’s Sons 2-Book Collection: Prince of the Blood, The King’s Buccaneer. Raymond E. Feist
would have been a shameful thing to my family for my son to have failed in his manhood hunt, today. It is difficult to accept such a thing.
‘There are those who will say that you robbed my son of a courageous death, or that his kill is tainted because of your interference.’
Here it comes, thought Erland. He had half-expected something like this.
‘Yet,’ continued Jaka, ‘you did but annoy the animal, distracting it long enough for my son to recover his spear.’
Erland nodded. ‘The kill was his.’
‘This is true. So, while I am partially mixed in my feelings as to the elegance of the kill, as a father of a boy I love deeply, I wish to thank you for allowing him his manhood.’ Softly he added, ‘And for saving his life.’
Erland stood motionless an instant, struggling with what he should say. Then he took the course that would allow the father the most pride possible under the circumstances. ‘I acted impulsively. As you know, my brother was recently lost to me, and your son in a way puts me in mind of him. In another time, I might have merely observed. But your son showed nothing but courage. Perhaps he would have regained the spear without my aid. Who can say?’
‘Who, indeed?’ said the old man. ‘It was a young cat, inexperienced and in great pain. A more experienced hunter would have struck it in the face with the flat of the shield, no damage, but noise and pain. If the cat attacks the shield, the experienced hunter lets him and attempts to recover the spear. It is a thing we teach, though in the heat of the moment, it is easily forgotten. Easily forgotten. Your Highness.
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