The Stone of Mercy

Carling looked over at Clank and his companions where they sat bound in their corner. Clank was staring at her, his eyes cold and hard. Curiosity overcame her and she asked, “Clank, why did you join the Heilodius herd?”

“And just why shouldn’t I have?” he said with a sneer.

“Couldn’t the Centaurs negotiate a peaceful agreement with the other races if they remained one unified herd?” Carling continued, ignoring his retort. “There is power in numbers.”

Clank snorted. “You think you can just waltz up to a Cyclops, shake hands, smile, and walk away with the throne? If you think that, you are stupider than I thought.”

His two companions snickered.

“Why does there have to be just one ruler of Crystonia?” Carling asked. “Why can’t there be a representative from each race?”

“You mean rule by committee? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.”

“Why is it so ridiculous?” Carling prodded, sincerely wanting an answer.

“Because committees never get anything accomplished. They just argue back and forth. Eventually, someone has to rise to the top and take the lead. The strongest is the one that obtains leadership.”

“Or wisest?”

“Strongest,” Clank repeated for emphasis. “And I intend to be on the side of the strongest when the power is divvied out. Now quit talking to me. You bore me,” he said, turning his head to one side.