The duty of teachers: An excerpt from To Bury Their Parents

"He is not a bright boy, I am afraid to tell My King," the teacher said.
"Intellect is rarely a virtue of the rulers," Dllyx admitted. "I suspect he is his father's son more than his mother's, and his father always ruled by force of arms over swiftness of wit. Still, there must be some way to get the histories into his mind."
"My King, it might be helpful to know what it is you want him to know, and then just tell him. He does not seem the type of boy to learn by inference."
"A direct approach, Wyrrn?"
"Yes, My King."
Dllyx thought. "Then drop history completely. Teach him how to poison and check for poison. Teach him how to plant sharp objects in fruits. How to distract with a false plot within a false plot while constructing a real one. How the simplest tricks are the most effective."
"Pardon my stupidity, Great King, but do you wish him to kill you?"
"Do you think me stupid enough to be killed?"
"No, My King, please forgive such an allusion. Rather, the histories are replete with kings who allowed themselves to die so that their children could ascend unharmed."
"Ah. No. But let him know I know every trick, every plot, every device. Let him learn to be wary. Let him grow sleepless with worry. In the long run he will benefit. When he is a man he will have to beware every lover and every girl who offers her hand. Even I shall have to send the occasional assassin if for no reason than to maintain appearances or to keep him sharp. If he dies he deserves to."
"As does his teacher?" asked Wyrrn.
Dllyx only smiled.

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