Chapter 24
The Thane Departs
“The time has come, the walrus said . . .”
Rev. Charles Lutwidge Dodgeson
When the Thane learned of Doc’s intention to remain in Mirrindale, he had confronted the old Man, and a bitter disagreement ensued, the Thane arguing the expediency of military justice and simple necessity, Doc taking the more philosophical view that, since there were innocent family members involved, he must do the right thing and stand by them, regardless of the more practical advantage of the presence of a skilled Healer in the service of the Elven army.
Finally, to reach some sort of compromise, the Thane offered to allow the Merchants the chance to throw in their lot with those who were leaving, so long as they vowed to leave their socially disruptive ways behind. He also agreed to allow those soldiers rendered unable to fight to leave as well. In the end, Doc reluctantly agreed to this, and to depart with those who were leaving the Elf Kingdom as the first small exodus had done.
In spite of their craven nature, and the looming danger from the King’s malice, which was directed as much as them personally as at anyone, all but a few Merchants elected to remain behind, though most sent their children and grandchildren, their future, away with the others.