Ynsolt’i Incoming
In which Bechimo finishes with its detour and arrives at Ynsolt’i.
And the narrative jumps forward, so we get no more information directly about what the norbears have to say or ask about Joyita. Whatever it is, it seems like it’s not a mark against Theo or Bechimo, seeing as they’ve been selected to host the Embassy Mobile to Norbears.
I wonder how much actuality there is behind the Embassy Mobile. It seems clear from the way Master Peltzer talks that it was genuinely Hevelin’s own idea to go travelling with Bechimo, but is the Embassy itself just a legal fiction to keep him out of trouble in systems that don’t like norbears, or are there actual formal diplomatic relations between norbears and the Clans of Men? Was the point of meeting Sinaya that the business required the approval of a higher-ranking norbear? It seems kind of unlikely – not, I should say, because I’m in any way doubting the intelligence of norbears, just that they don’t seem temperamentally inclined toward formal structures and hierarchies – but stranger things have happened.
I thought it was a way to spread the news about the Embassy faster, and through other channels and routes, than might be reached by Hevelin on Bechimo alone. Sinaya can spread the news to other bears, travelling on other ships and in different directions. That could mean a welcome reception among good people when arriving in a difficult situation somewhere down the line for Theo and Bechimo, or a known haven for a norbear in trouble.
I wonder if it was important that the 2 Pilot Guild Masters watch that meeting of Theo and Sinaya – or of Sinaya digging for Theo’s reaction to Joyita picture. Or were they entirely ignorant of the point the norbears were making?
I liked it – the way Hevelin changed hands again: Daav gives Hevelin to Pelzer – and years later (when Pelzer knows how exceptional Hevelin is among norbears) he gives Hevelin back to Daav’s daughter
At least Pelzer – who might have recognized Theo as being a daughter of Korval (since he had known Captain Smoke and by now also knew that he was still alive) – might have had several motives to allow Hevelin to go with Bechimo.
– Hevelin wished it
– Giving Hevelin into Theo’s care allowed him to express his thanks and regard for her and her ship
– The embassy is meant as a way of protection for Theo and Bechimo (Pelzer knew about the cloak-suspicion) as well as protection for Hevelin
– Pelzer also might have thought that Theo needed Hevelin’s service more than he did – especially if he recognized her Korval origin and believed in Korval luck which puts Korval persons in risky situations. Or he might have had a hint from Old Ern that Theo is not always good with people.
– Pelzer might have placed Hevelin on Bechimo to keep an eye on the mysterious ship – he wished reports.