‘Tell your father to provide me with an escort back to my own country, or he will pay for the indignities that have been done to me!’
The northern prince examined Lear closely. He saw the flush of youthful arrogance, the eyes that glared but did not see.
‘I myself will be your guide, Prince Lear,’ he said. ‘But we are now about to celebrate our festival, so the return to your own country will have to wait until after that.’ His voice was polite but firm.
Lear glowered, but the prince had turned away from him to speak to his father. Lear stepped forward impulsively, angry that any slave should turn his back on him, but instantly guards seized him by the arms. He struggled and swore, but to no avail. The prince did not look at him, but walked calmly away.
‘Come back!’ Lear yelled, but it
