Day 67
Standard Year 1118
Elthoria
Protocol Lessons
In which Jethri learns a thing or two about melant’i.
There have been occasions when the scene-setting description at the head of the chapter applied only to the first portion of the chapter, before the scene shifted elsewhere, but I perceive that in this case the descriptor of “protocol lessons” applies just as much to the second scene in the corridor.
This is also one of my favourite chapters, or perhaps it would be most appropriate to say that the chapters concerning the visit to Kailipso Station collectively form one of my favourite episodes of the book.
It’s warming that Jethri has so many comrades. Some of them may have been involved less out of personal friendship than because the ship’s honor is at stake, but it’s still good to know that they consider ship’s honor to comprehend Jethri.
This is the first chapter since Jethri signed on to Elthoria in which he hasn’t thought about his family even once.
Yes, I totally loved the scene in the corridor. The crew’s loyalty to Jethri warmed my heart. I was a bit surprised that even Arm’s Master Pen Rel sig’Kethra joined in the fray.
The drink “Trader’s Leap” is perfect.
And yes, I agree the first part of the chapter tied in neatly with the second part. Jethri could accurately interpret Gaenor’s bow (“Jethri read it as the special bow made between comrades”) but he still has much to learn, as the librarian points out:
“Ah, my friend, we need to teach you more of milant’i. What you describe would be seemly, were we dealing with persons of worth. However, when one deals with louts…”
Come to think of it, the Trader’s Leap is also good because it shows that, although there are many things Jethri is struggling to catch up on and learn about, he’s not behind in everything; he does possess knowledge and skills that are ahead of other people.
Yes, agreed, and that had to feel good — a refreshing change!
In the final scene, they were “bloody, but of good cheer”. Too bad Jethri missed the party. The party, however, seems to have included him into the group in a way that wouldn’t have happened if the others couldn’t involve themselves in Jethri’s triumph.
It will be interesting to see how the new book Trader’s Leap—due out in 2020—will relate to either the actual leap or the drink . . . if either. With the name so closely connected the Jethri, will there be any references to his history?
At this writing, I have reached page 281 of Trader’s Leap and discovered at least one answer to that question.