But a handful of wounded in the infirmary were from the ill-fated city, and knew with certainty the fate of the city and its inhabitants. They thought it odd that their presence and the news they bore should be ignored in favour of rumour. No matter, they told themselves. No amount of disbelief or blind faith could alter the truth.
Sitting down to lunch in the Thane’s private quarters, Doc watched the young girl who laid out the table with private amusement. She looked to be twelve or thirteen years old, and went about her duties with such exaggerated diligence as made him share a broad smile with the Thane.
When she had left to pursue other duties, the Thane, becoming serious once more, said, ‘You wished to know the truth about Prince Cir. It is this:
‘Prince Cir is the only son and heir of the King. It had long been known that Cir was unfit to hold power. He has always abused his standing, even as a child. Sometime after he achieved adulthood, during a time when the King was become fully distracted from his duties, Cir took full advantage, assuming that he could do as he pleased, not only where our Faerie kindred were concerned, but with our own people as well.