Continued from: The Speech
Veryacano raised an eyebrow. Perhaps he was amused with Parnard's speech but he kept an indifferent expression and did not refrain from replying with a speech of his own. He adjusted his sitting posture and began with a serious voice:
''Let’s get your facts right, Parnard.'' Hammer Lord pointed at him. ''You, are not 'visiting' us. You were saved from a sad and cold demise by us and you were brought here.'' Hammer Lord continued correcting Parnard's words, his voice growing sharper. ''You speak a great deal of expectation. What did you expect? Knights in shining armor, picking flowers for gracious ladies and slaying evil creatures with the backs of their hands? Ha!'' Veryacano chuckled and the others smiled.
''Soldiers!'' Veryacano burst out and all smiles vanished. ''...do not have the luxury of expectation. Soldiers do as they are told! They do not expect pleasant things when they go into battle.''
Hammer lord gestured dismissively as he spoke on:
‘‘You have never met real soldiers, thats your problem. Now you have and that is a lesson for you. War is our business and it is not for the light hearted. It's a dirty work and it takes from you everything you have.'' Narrowing his eyes and looking at Parnard's broken arm he contined even louder. ''So you have a broken arm. And you were pushed around. So what? Do you even know what battling the evil costs? Do you know what these soldiers sacrifice to keep others safe?'' Veryacano asked but he did not expect an answer. ''No, you do not. These soldiers here...'' he gestured at the black figures around him. ''They have sacrificed countless years of freedom to serve! To keep other kindred safe. Do you think they are doing it for the fun? Hm? They bled doing it, they lost family and friends doing it, they have forsaken the chance for a peaceful life for it!'' Veryacano's eyes were like sparks in the dark now and he paused for a moment, staring into Parnard's eyes. ''And you dare speak of expectation...’’ Hammer lord’s voice now grew softer and said: ''I am sorry we do not fulfill your expectations young Parnard.’’
There was a long silence afterwards and only the crackling sound of the fire and howling wind could be heard.
It seemed to everyone that the Hammer Lord thought he had not said enough, so he folded his arms in standing tall and spoke in a very official voice tone;
‘‘You pledged your service to me and I do not take it lightly. That fight in the tunnels.. that’s the edge, young Parnard. The edge that makes the difference between life and a gruesome death. In battle, you were expected to do one thing and one thing only. That is; not to needlessly endanger your kindred or the mission.’’
Veryacano glanced at Estarfin and then at Parnard and continued: ‘‘I am sure your guardian Estarfin ensured that you fulfilled these expectations. I am sure he’s saved your life too. And in doing so, he obeyed my orders to the fullest extent, therefore fulfilling my expectations of you both. Hence, I am content with both your performances.''
Veryacano gestured at Parnard's broken arm. ''But that, sometimes comes at a cost.’’
A strange atmosphere was in the air now.
‘‘Your battle begins when we are back in Imladris, Parnard. I expect you to succeed. I hope I made myself clear.''
Continued in An Unprofitable Servant
