The Hespan View of Aqualaria

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 47501

"That's good," Astra said. "I can promise you that I won't hold you accountable for anything that you might have read. On that understanding, please will you tell me what this book said?"

"W-well, it s-said that the m-men in your c-country are all s-slaves." Astra could tell that Hesht was nervous about causing offence from the increase in his stuttering. He gulped, then when she made no comment went on: "It also s-said that A-a-a... your p-people are very w-warlike and keep t-trying to c-conquer all the n-n-neighbouring c-countries."

Astra wasn't overly surprised at this. She knew that for very many years her country and Hespan had been at loggerheads. And unfortunately it wasn't just Hespaniards that had such a prejudiced view. Though Aqualaria had been on good terms with Allaria for many years, when she had chatted to the Allarian ambassador at a palace reception he had admitted that, as a result of old conflicts, many of the peasants in his country still believed something very similar to what Hesht's book had said.

"It's not true, of course," she told him. "Oh, there might have been something in it once, hundreds of years ago. But the only legacies remaining today are that the wife is generally viewed as head of the household and that daughters still take precedence over sons when it comes to inheritance, whether of titles or of wealth. But please don't worry. It's not your fault what Hespan books might say... But now I am feeling sleepy, so perhaps we have talked for long enough. Is that all right with you?"

"Y-yes, Astra. G-good night."

"Good night, Hesht."

Somewhat to her surprise, given her long sleep during the day, Astra really did feel quite sleepy. It must be the fresh air and exercise that I've had this evening, she thought. And of course it must be well after midnight by now. As she heard Hesht start to snore gently, she drifted off to sleep herself.

  1. In the morning...
  2. They were woken during the night by...

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JH

12/9/2004 3:17:35 AM

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