Ashlings' guildleader
14 years ago
Fri Jan 01 2010, 09:49pm
Ashlings' guildleader
Dreamscape Artist
Hopefully I will come back soon and edit this post with quotes to the ready, but for now I am putting this up so that I don't forget to do it when I'm awake.
So yes, ahem, it occurred to me whilst doing maths of all things, that Kerd could possibly be a shadowman agent.
Reasons; - Kerd is constantly being referred to as having none of the diplomatic abilities/skills of political manipulation of a courtier and as well as no grasp of social conventions. Yet, when he and Glynn go to the library, he is very clever in his way of getting the head librarian to acquiesce to his desires.
- Because of his lack of skills as a courtier, the Prime immediately changes tack in question Glynn. Instead of looking for motive, she only looks for what information was passed.
-This would be useful in a shadowman agent as it would allow him to speak to and gather information from practically anyone without suspicion falling on him. Certainly they would still worry of him knowing their secrets, but an enemy wouldn't see him as trying to know their secrets which is significantly different. It would also allow him to use different messengers to send and receive information without having to construct a reason for speaking to them.
-The anomaly between what people say of Kerd and what he shows us of himself is reminiscent of the anomalies between Solen's characters in Darkfall.
-Kerd cleaves to Darkfall.
Unlike Solen, I don't think that Kerd would be deliberately taking on these traits in order to be useful as a Shadowman agent. Rather, I think he chooses to be like this because he likes to be this way - open and able to speak to whoever he wishes, regardless of social norms. He's too friendly to like being aloof. I think that Kerd would simply be making use of people's views of him to benefit Darkfall. For example; he would not spy on Coralyn, because that would go against his nature. But say, if the shadowman wanted to know why a particular person had come to court, simply for a better understanding of what was taking place in the citadel rather than to take malicious action against the person, Kerd would be the man for the job.
At the very least, I do not believe that Kerd is all that he seems.
What do you think?
Dreamweaver Ward
14 years ago
Dreamweaver Ward
Dreamscape Artist
I definitely agree with your final statement that Kerd is not all that he seems. I've thought he may be a Shadowman agent as well, and I agree with the reasons you've given. It just makes sense of why he'd stay around the citadel, and there have been several occasions where he's said and/or done things that disprove the theories that he has no idea about politics/court.
The fact that he talks to people of all difference ranks and social levels would also help him to know what's going on. I like the idea of him as an information-gatherer rather than an active agent - it makes more sense for his character. Definitely plausible. :)
It seems quite possible. Kerd has several times shown that he is more intelligent and observant than people give him credit for. Being Vespian, esp. the cheiftain's son, might also make it easier for him to send messages between islands.
Yes- I think there is far more to Kerd then we give him credit for. Who and why he may be working for someone are things to consider as is also his blatant "love" for (what ever the princess name is) Urynis or something. He must know how she despises him. What does she gain from marrying him and more importantly what does he gain from marrying her.