I do hate to bring up old discussion points, especially ones so wonderfully discussed already. But I dragged Pagin in Exile along to read through while waiting for the doctor today, and this scene just hit me (which actually, is the scene deaka points out in the last comment on that page - I think I missed that comment before!)


[Upon arriving in Bram and meeting Jordan, who is catching Roland up on the family news (in particular, Berengar's wives)]

"I'm afraid that I haven't done so well. My wife is still breathing."

Roland stiffens.

"Your wife?" he says sharply.

"Oh yes. My wife. You haven't met Gauzia. That pleasure still awaits you." Jordan pauses an instant, as if expecting some kind of comment. But Roland remains mute. "God knows, I've done my best to get rid of her. I can't help it if I'm lacking in those repulsive qualities Berengar finds so useful. It's my belief that his breath is what ultimately killed them."

"Has he- has Berengar chosen-?"

"One of the Morlans. Ada. Apparently she's about fifteen years old, so he'll probably make a nice quick job of her." His expressionless blue eyes drift down to where I'm lurking. Spotted, damn it. "And who might this be? Your fancy boy?"

"This is my squire." (Roland, through clenched teeth.) "Pagan Kidrouk." (PiE, US ver, page 17

Colour me convinced that Roland knows about Jordan. Anyone else? It could still be entirely innocent, but something keeps nagging at me.

Tags: discussion, jordan, roland