The Jarl said,
Don't blame yourself, Hroar. It was my decision to send the pick, and I was the one on the ground. My blisters are proof! But I couldn't let you go. And who could've known that the pick would slip? Show me a peasant who knows not to strap on the wrist thingies before digging.
"Hroar Nahr replied,
Lord Jarl, even if the peasants did learn that lesson, they'd still strap them on upside down. I understand your decision and agree with it, even if it wasn't my place to make it. It looks as if the royal culture of highland will also provide a way out of this mess; surely the royal highlanders would want to aid their brothers and sisters in the lowlands. Don't worry, we'll get out of this. I am sure that no one will be able to blame the jarl for this, whether the full story comes out or not.
The Jarl sighed and said,
I have no delusions. You know I will have to explain it to my liege. I have enlisted you to help me in this. I'll speak to the prince, and I'm sure I'll be able to convince him to aid our cause. What else can I do?
Hroar had the beginnings of an idea.
Hroar said,
The prince's high honor forbids him to lie. That is why I will be talking to him in private. If anyone thinks to intrude, we'll just banish them. This way they won't be able to speak.
The Jarl replied,
That makes sense. You don't mind tagging along? I'd rather avoid speaking to the prince alone. I am sure that he will be willing to help support our cause.
Hroar said,
I don't like to impose, but I can do this for you as well as for me, Lord Jarl. You see, I have an idea that I think would serve both the highlands and the lowlands. I thought you might want to know.
The Jarl hesitated, pained.
The Jarl said,
What sort of domineering idea do you think that I should know of? Well? I must know. I will not be doing this if I don't know how these people would react.
Hroar replied,
The prince has not received enough attention he has been due. I think that this might be the best way to honor him. If we could find a way to bring the prince's name up more often, then that would be a good thing for the lowlands. We are all very proud of his contributions to our village. Many have talked about what it would be like to be in your position.
The Jarl said,
How will this bring honor?
Hroar replied,
If we start talking about the prince's high honor, it will be great. I'm sure of it.
The Jarl said,
I see your point. When I punish you, some people in a village 3 days walk north of us have been talking bad about how you were unjustly punished. This makes no sense. People should love their Prince.
Hroar said,
I am sure that the prince would want to know, but only if you think it would be best. I think it would be safe if we just let the people believe he is our liege. Let them know that the prince's high honor is important, without the people getting used to it.
The Jarl said,
There is a big village about 15 days out of here that I am sure is ready for a change. The people there talk about subverting the highlands on a regular basis, so I have not gained their trust yet. But when we have gotten more food from the highlands and the people realize that we have not caused any problems, they will feel happy and trust us. Then we can tell people that the prince's high honor is important.
Hroar said,
It's best if we keep this a secret between you and me, Jarl. I know it's not my place to decide, but I think that until they accept us as valuable friends and ambassadors, there will be no problem.
The Jarl said,
This is an important mission for the highlands. We need more time for people to accept us, especially after we came here to get a lot of people proud of the Prince. This should be the way to do it.
Hroar said,
You know that I will help however much you need to get it done.
The Jarl said,
Then there is no more for me to say. I will see you in camp. Prepare for the road, because soon we will be talking to the prince.
Hroar said,
As you wish.