I guess that Wayland is Leon Ammon's and Dominic Flandry's equivalent of Satan or Mirkheim although with two important differences. First, metal-rich though it is, Wayland is just not in the same category of wealth-production as either Satan or Mirkheim. Secondly and significantly, Wayland is not a new discovery but an inheritance from the Polesotechnic League.
Nevertheless, Wayland should make Ammon extremely rich which suits Flandry's purposes. I agree with Sean Brooks' suggestion that, in A Knight of Ghosts and Shadows, Flandry should converse not only with the Duke of Mars, the Emperor and Chunderban Desai but also with an ennobled Ammon. How much they would have to reminisce about. Also, Ammon's practical experience and understanding of the Empire would complement Desai's academic and practical approach. Long live Leon and we hope that he would make a wiser, not a corrupt, noble.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I agree, even tho not in the same category as Satan and Mirkheim, Wayland's possession by the Empire would still mean a major increase in Imperial strength. Esp. since defense of Wayland necessitates not abandoning Irumclaw, with all that meant in a dangerous weakening of the Empire.
Repulsive as Leon Ammon is, his very real energy, abilities, and even courage makes him a noteworthy person. His longings to be "big" does not have to mean he would be big only in bad ways. I would like to think the Earl of Wayland became a stabilizing influence in the Empire.
A pity Anderson never thought of Flandry meeting Ammon at the Coral Palace or that I thought of asking what happened to him in later years. Thanks for referencing my suggestion!
Ad astra! Sean
Ammon would have a different set of -incentives- once he was a rich noble. He'd want the Empire to be strong, because his fortune and power would depend on that.
And being rich if not beyond the dreams of avarice (nothing is enough to satisfy avarice) he'd be very, very, very rich and would probably concentrate on defending what he had.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
I agree, again you stated more clearly what I was trying to say.
Ad astra! Sean
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