[Dragaera] Morrolan's claims to witness Zerika's descent

[Maximilian Wilson]

[/Dzur/ allusion, non plot-spoiler]
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On 2/14/07, Jon Lincicum <lincicum at comcast.net> wrote:
>
>  -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: "Maximilian Wilson" <wilson.max at gmail.com>
> >
> > Stipulated that Morrolan's knowing Elder Sorcery at that time is
> > unlikely, although learning it directly from Verra is more unlikely.
> > (I had in mind that he got interested in it because she's interested
> > in it, as well perhaps as other members of her priesthood.)
>
> Seems like Morrolan was pretty busy (first, assembling his circle in Blackchapel, then
> travelling to faerie, then building Castle Black) during his early life. I'm curious when he
> would have had the time to investigate Elder Sorcery, even if he had had both motivation,
> and access to a tutor. (Highly unlikely prior to his emigration into Dragaera.)

He was two hundred plus years old by the time Zerika hit Deathsgate
Falls. For an Easterner, that's plenty of time to develop hobbies.
Stipulated that it's improbable.

> > Or else Paarfi lied. Single-point failure. I haven't read enough
> > historical romances a la Dumas to know exactly how far history gets
> > stretched in those things.
>
> I think the point here was that Paarfi would not have dared to flat-out lie about the
> historical and quite verifiable acts and intentions of important, powerful nobles who are
> currently in favor with the Empress. Not to mention with Sethra Lavode.

Alexander Dumas was once accused of raping French history. His
response: "Yes, but look how beautiful the children are." I don't see
that Paarfi, having chosen a hero, would have any particular qualms
about sticking his hero in important battles at the formation of the
Empire, even if the hero is still alive. *Removing* someone from a
battle might be different, except that Morrolan refuses to be put in
the position of defending himself. If Paarfi's account were incorrect,
it would be more likely to be fabrication on Paarfi's part than some
kind of conspiracy between Piro, Khaavren, Sethra, et alia. as was
initially suggested.

> > Or else Vlad was lying.
>
> Either knowingly, or through memory checksum errors, this is the only real alternative I
> can see.

Am I the only one who sees all the little remarks about "Maybe she was
lying" throughout Dzur to be a sly poke at the fans, either reminding
us of our unreliable narrator or perhaps teasing us for being overly
skeptical? In any case, yeah. We can never rule out the possibility
that someone is lying.

-Max

-- 
Be pretty if you are, be witty if you can,
But be cheerful if it kills you.

Everything in Windows is very simple, but the simplest thing is difficult.
    -Clausewitz