Role

Chapter 2

"Mother, I understand. Since this arose I have had time to further consider,
and of course speak with my mother and grandmother, and I see the wisdom of
your, and their, words. I will redouble my efforts and I promise all of you
will be proud of my abilities and how they benefit our home. Give me the time
to show you just how much I can do, and will do. Five years seems a reasonable
time. Not long, but just long enough so you will harbor no doubt as to my
abilities and intentions."

Yes, by that time, I will be gone and these doubting fools will simply be
marking time before they are overcome by new overlords, of which I shall be
one.

A few moments go by, the Matron Mother staring without a single muscle shifting
or a single word spoken. Then, without preamble, "Very well, Czernish. But I
warn you, neither your perhaps vaunted abilities nor your lofty family name will
protect you should I find you continue to adhere to and embrace these aberrant
thoughts. Now go."