A KINGDOM OF DREAMS

JENNY: What happened to all your men – the ones who were with us until we reached the priory. (Royce remained coldly silent). Was that question too difficult for you, your grace? (when Royce still remained silent). Yes, I can see the question about your men has baffled you, your grace. Very well, let me find a ways to make it simpler. ‘Tis obvious to me that ‘tis not lack of intelligence which caused you to stare at me so blankly when I question you about your men, but rather that your memory is failing! Alas, I fear your advanced years are already taking their toll on your mind. But fear not, I shall keep my questions very, very simple, and I shall try to help you recall where you’ve put your misplaced men. Now then, when we arrived at the priory – you do recall the priory to you not? The priory? You know – the big stone building where we first met Friar Gregory?

(Royce said nothing, he glanced at Arik who was staring straight ahead, impervious to everything, and then at the friar, whose shoulders were beginning to shake suspiciously as Jenny continued with sad gravity.) You poor, poor man – you’ve forgotten who Friar Gregory is, haven’t you? There he is! (pointing at the friar). Do you see him? Of course you do! Now then, concentrate very very hard because the next question is more difficult: Do you remember the men who were with you when we arrived at the priory where Friar Gregory was? There were about forty of them. Forty. (she emphasized with extreme courtesy, and to Royce’s disbelief, she actually held up her small hand before his eyes, splayed out five fingers, and politely explained) Forty is this many – and this many more (daringly holding up her other hand) and this many more (she repeated thrice more, holding up ten fingers each time.) Now! Can you remember where you left them? (Silence.) Or where you sent them? Oh dear, you’re worse off than I thought. You’ve lost them completely, haven’t you?

 BACK TO SPOTLIGHT