XofDallas wrote:I'm still putting the spoiler tag on this until HFQ's been out for a month.
So, Merlin and Thirsk need to talk. I've wondered, what about? Here is my speculation:
1. Merlin will let Thirsk know his family is alive and in Charisan hands, and that nothing bad will happen to them no matter what Thirsk does. I am sure Thirsk will believe him.
2. Merlin and Thirsk will also discuss the high probability that Thirsk will be the subject of an assassination attempt shortly, since Clyntahn no longer has a hold over him, and doesn't trust him.
I believe they will also discuss that Clyntahn (or Rayno, same thing) will try to arrange Thirsk's death in such a manner that blame will be cast on Charis - setting Thirsk up as a martyr to motivate Temple loyalists and those sitting on the fence - and also providing motivation for the Dohlaran navy.
3. It's possible - possible - Merlin may make some nano-healing available to Thirsk without telling him so.
4. Merlin also will somehow manage to help Thirsk see himself objectively, and to realize that, by compromising his honor, he's become only a shell of the man he once was. Merlin likely will not suggest that Thirsk should or could redeem himself and his honor, let alone suggest to Thirsk how he might do that.
5. Thirsk's actions from that point? There are some possibilities:
a. Make a public speech denouncing Clyntahn and the Inquisition, and exposing the Inquisition's practice of making hostages of the families of important people to insure their obedience and cooperation, before offing himself;
b. Somehow encourage his better officers to - who knows what? Rebel? Mutiny? Turn their ships over to Charis?
c. Arrange for the destruction of the Dreadnought;
d. Who knows what else?
The only thing I know is, that Thirsk is going to realize he is no longer controlled by the Church, that the Church will likely try to target him and use his death for its own purposes, and that he has a meaningful chance at doing something so he no longer will loathe himself.
The possibilities - seemingly endless.
There are likely but three possibilities for Thirsk's reaction to the news his family is safe. He can defect; he can remain sworn to king and Church, or he can call for the guard to grab Merlin (very unlikely!) His disappearance can be arranged easily; Unexplained vanishing; "suicide by drowning", or capture by Charis forces. Thirsk's stated reaction to the Church claim that Iris and Daiven were "kidnapped" prisoners was disbelief; his respect for Cayleb's word is also given.
Of the three, defecting to Charis is the more likely.
