Returning to the present from his distant ruminations, Caedrasp said, ‘My Lord Abbot, Prior Robert.’
‘Welcome,’ said the Abbot, ‘please be seated. You’re meeting with the Prince has been productive?’
‘Yes,’ said Caedrasp to a snort of derision from Prior Robert. ‘You have a different opinion, Prior Robert?’ asked Caedrasp innocently.
‘Yes, Brother. As you know, our Order is better served when we can lead rather than stand aside,’ said Prior Robert.
‘How can we lead?’ asked Caedrasp quizzically. ‘We have no army, no government, a very modest treasury; the only thing we possess is our intellect.’
‘We can aid the powers that rule and seek to rule ourselves, becoming rulers ourselves someday,’ said Robert vaguely.
‘What makes you think that those that govern would ever allow power to fal
