The Length of Honor

Valor is not always in displays of power

"If anyone asks you 'are you lost,' what do you say?"

"Aye. I say 'I'm on my way to the Stone Ring.'"

"You'd better be able to lie well. Otherwise you'll never see Thalian or your children again. Now go."

"Wait. Just a moment longer, m'Lord. Are you sure... Are you sure they'll even come? I mean, if I can get this to them? Will they truly remember the reason we have alliance with them anyway?"

"We have to believe. We have to... We have no choice but to try. It's not just Thalian, Inman. It's all the women. All the children. The Unlauti don't take slaves, don't take prisoners. But they have been known to treat before attacking. And you know that only priests are inviolate to them; and Torince Jerrigon is the only one who can represent our side."

"I'm no priest. I don't look like a priest— m'Lord, is this the only way? ...No, of course it is."

"Inman... You know I'll do everything to protect her while you're gone. Even... even if you don't come back."

"I know, m'Lord. I will do this. We have no choice but to beg for help; I'm the only one they'll listen to; and I'm the only one who is willing to be a... a sneak-thief and slink through all the— "

"Be easy, Inman. You're not a sneak-thief. You're a spy, a courier, and an honorable man. — 'Now. Are you lost?'"

"No. I am heading to the Stone Ring. I pray for both Unlauti and Hommini alike. There has been too much blood. There is too much of the senselessness— "

"Inman!"

"I...I am going to the Stone Ring."

"Good. Put on the robes. Take the dispatch. Go, my loyal friend."

"Aye, m'Lord. Till I may serve you again..."

NOTES: ▶︎

Word Count: 300
Submitted for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt: Use the phrase "Are you lost?"