In Gaul, Massilia is Roman controlled whereas Aquitania is beyond the border and free at least in 100 BC. There are Narbonesian Gauls.
Eodan and Phryne plan to escape from Rome with Hwicca by:
capturing their owner, Flavius;
forcing him to travel by ship to Massilia, accompanied by all three of them;
controlling Flavius by continually threatening him with a sword concealed under Eodan's cloak.
An implausible plan. Dominic Flandry does this with Lord Hauksberg except that the concealed weapon is a blaster instead of a sword. But I am sure that this improbable escape maneuver is used by at least one other Anderson hero. Which one?
7 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I agree that such a means of escape as described of Flandry and Haukseberg, Eodan and Flavius, are implausible for MOST of us. But, I'm not sure it is totally impossible, given boldness and daring and a little luck. With some effort, real world examples might be found.
I'm almost sure, besides the two examples you cited, we see such a means of escape at least once more in Anderson's stories. I've thought of Edward Langley's rescue of Saris and then their escape in THE LONG WAY HOME as being at least analogous.
Ad astra! Sean
The downside is the difficulty of controlling someone for any length of time, particularly a bold and resourceful someone with their wits about them.
The upside is that the person you're controlling can do things you just can't -- they have clout, official influence. Their paths are smooth and quick and unimpeded; yours are not.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
I agree with your first sentence. But I'm not sure your second paragraph is correct. Most prisoners have little clout or influence, and their paths are certainly not smooth and unimpeded. It's the guards who have the official clout and influence.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
And I think it happens in a short story.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I've also thought of how Flandry from the Merseian base on the planet Talwin, in A CIRCUS OF HELLS. He captured the datholch Ydywyr the Seeker, regained his scoutboat, and successfully dodged Merseian pursuit and got back to the Empire.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean: meaning that Flavius or Lord Hauksberg, even though in -fact- a prisoner, are -assumed- by all about them to remain the figures of authority they've always been. By taking Flavius capitive, but concealing the fact, Eodan takes advantage of his social status.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
Exactly! You brought out more clearly what I had in mind.
Ad astra! Sean
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