Durnik turns to look at the new arrivals, then with a slight curse, he puts on a polite smile and stands, bowing formally to his prince. "Your Highness."

Methos looks up from his position, and also bows deeply to both Prince, and Captain-General. He stands somewhat off to the side, and remains quiet.

The children of the Light sit at the far end of the table from Durnik.

Theowyn sweeps through the doors first, followed by Kellian behind. The Prince is shows little emotion, as he steps toward the briefing table and then steps to the side to have Kellian stop in beside him. "Lord Durnik." He takes note of the Children escort, each with a slight nod. "Children." Looking to Kellian, he seems to step away from the matter. "Lord Captain Inarin revealed a few issues raised when you approached to the Children. We wish to discuss these matters, their validity ..." Theowyn holds back his tongue there, at least a slight. "Captain-General Kellian and I were both present at the time of its revalation, as was the Queen."

Durnik sighs a little bit, but nods his agreement. "Very well, I find no fault in that." He doesn't take his seat, as the Prince has not taken one.

Kellian remains standing as well. "And to what purpose did you inform them of such matters? Andor tetters near the edge of a dark and treacherous precipice, Durnik. A single mispoken word or careless deed could be disasterous."

Theowyn folds his arms back behind, setting his gaze on Durnik, though being distracted by Methos briefly enough.

Durnik looks over to Kellian with upraised eyebrows....he looks at the badges of rank on the man for a moment. Is there envy, hatred, jealousy, in Durnik's eyes? Not really. He seems to be evaluating the man who has assume Durnik's former position, and his worthiness of the rank. With a wry twist of his mouth, and a quick glance to Theowyn, he says dryly, "Andor tetters near the edge because of her own ignorance. And if she chooses not to listen to me, I thought perhaps someone else would." He narrows his eyes slightly. "The Children are in a unique position to be able to prevent things before they even begin."

Kellian puts his hands on the table,"You were at the forefont of the Lion Banner until very recently, if Andor has been guilty of ignorance in the past then you had best be willing to admit your own part in that and stop casting blame in all other quarters. Now, you say that the Children can prevent things.." he casts a glance at Durnik's escort, then looks back at him,"How?"

Methos stands quietly in the shadows, almost becoming one of them.

Those cold blue eyes do not flinch at Durnik's words. They do turn to Kellian briefly enough before facing Durnik. "One concern of Andor over your survice as Captain-General was not keeping the state informed on pertanent matters," Theowyn adds. "I see that you have not faultered from your stance on keeping the Queen in the dark. But well enough, if your loyalties are with the Children. We do request on how you came to this information, since Illian seems on sides with Andor."

Durnik looks down at Kellian's hand on the table, he frowns. The look Durnik has in his eyes is becoming clearer...though they are drawn to Theowyn too quickly to get a good look. "And if I /had/ given you this information? What then? You pat me on the back and say thanks a lot, but you have no proof, and so therefore we cannot believe you." His mouth twists with distaste and he shakes his head. "And even if you had believed me...what then? You'd march an army through Far Madding on Illian?" He shakes his head. "I think not. You could have done nothing more than what you are doing now."

Theowyn strains for patience, a fist slowly forming at his side. "That was always the root of your ignorance. Believing your own incompetence on others. I ask for the source of this information, if you can not reveal it, then I will make my assumptions. Now answer the Captain-General's question. And I suggest you co-operate, the Ambassador from Illian is very displeased about the rumors being spread. Some would believe you capable of lies to justify some relationship with the Children, having no where else to go."

Kellian levels his own silver flecked blue gaze on the former Captain General,"In all the years I served under you, I never doubted your loyalty to Andor and the Queen. Until now. Speak carefully and openly, Durnik, it is has not been unheard of for a former General in the Andoran army to feel betrayed by his country and ride to battle against her." Really? Kellian frowns faintly at this particular bit of history.

Sits there under the gazes of the two men trying to decide upon an answer......his attention is caught by Kellian's comment and his eyes blaze fire. His tone takes on a dark quality, "Tread warily Kellian. I have sworn the same Oath that you have to Aislynn...and that is no small thing for a Shienaran." He looks at her darkly. "Be....very....careful about how you proceed."

Theowyn eyes find Methos once more, showing no concern for Durnik's words as he refolds his arms. There is a set of patience in his manner, though the Warder could just as easily be on the attack or defense in the next moment.

Kellian raises a brow at this,"Yet you continue to decry the throne and Andor as a collection of incompetant child. If as you say, you take that oath seriously still, then tell the Queen's brothers what it is that you are trying to do to protect the Queen and her realm..with your last breath if need be."

Methos blinks, looking at Kellian curiously. He does still remain quiet however.

Durnik raises an eyebrow..."Claiming the Versyr name at last are we?" He makes a face as if to say 'eh so be it'..."Of course I suppose it is only right in your new position." He turns away and moves to that there is a chair between the two men and himself. He leans against the high back, his hands wrapped around the top. "And where did you get the opinion I thought of you as incompetent children. I claimed no such thing..." Again that dark look, "Only a stubborn unwillingness to trust and believe, that leaves you in ignorance of what occurs around you. To the point of endangering Andor by your blindness."

Methos remains quiet, although his eyes seem to hold a look of disbelief in this whole event.

Theowyn continues to stand beside Kellian, his eyes lightly following Durnik. Though Methos once again receives a few gazes, as do the Children that are nearby. One observant would notice Theowyn's breathing becoming deeper, though otherwise he remains somewhat calm.

Kellian nods,"Very well, then, the leadership of Andor is blind. Since I have only just taken this mantle that you once held, I can assume you are meaning the First Prince and the Queen..." He frowns faintly at that,"However, if we are blind, and you can see that which we can not..then would it not serve Andor better if you were to lay out the world for us to see, rather then simply accusing people of shortcomings and leaving it at that.." He casts another glance at the Children then, then back to Durnik,"Exchanging insults will not save Andor, Durnik. Many battles are won before the first weapon is engaged because of knowledge gained in preparation. If you mean to save Andor, then let us talk of meaningful things, let us talk of what you know and what Andor should do to stand strong in the days to come."

Durnik chuckles shaking his head. "You just don't get it do you Captain..General..." Durnik remembers to add that. "There is nothing /Andor/ can do. Why do you think I went to the Children of the Light? They have parked 2,000 men outside of our city, and if they can do that here, they can do it elsewhere. Such a buildup of trained men would be a hindrance, if not stop all together anyone planning on interfering in international politics as they stand...no matter what their Ambassador says." He looks up as if remembering, "Ambassador Kahlil, a polite man, an astute man....a good ambassador. One not prone to make mistakes." He moves even more and now stands on opposite sides of the table leaning on it. Looking to Theowyn, "You yourself said it was /suicide/ for Murandy to come against us. We outnumber nearly 3:1. But what if Illian decided to throw in their support, for the sake of keeping Renford away from their land? Hmm, what then?" His eyes narrow challengingly.

One of the Children at the end of the table looks up finally when they are so prominently mentioned, and coughs slightly to interrupt...."Your Highness, Lord Kasagara does not speak for the current policy of the Children of the Light." He says in way of disclaimer, and with a frown at Durnik sits back down going silent again.

"This is ignorance," Theowyn shakes his head now, turning away from Durnik, and speaking to Kellian. "He suggests using two-thousand men as a point of influence of an army that has over forty if not fifty thousand soldiers. What a waste of time." The First Prince speaks loud enough for others to hear as he faces Kellian. "We know Murandy will be foolish to attack without the support of another nation. But if we continue to listen to his /profound/ observations..." Theowyn sighs. "Remember, he is not stable. But delusion as well?" Continuing to disregard Durnik, he does turn and offers the Children a nod. "Of course. I think I grow tired of these circles," the tone is louder now.

Kellian glances at the Child,"No, we are certain he doesn't. Unless he's usurped the leadership of the Children.." Kellian looks as if he wouldn't put it past the man. He waves off any concern that might come for the Children at this suggestion. He listens to Theowyn as he expounds and then Kellian says to the First Prince,"This seems more a scouting expedition in preparation for an egagment then a bargaining table." He looks back at Durnik,"Is that all then, you wish to influence the Children to keep Illian out of war? Do you think that the encampment outside Caemlyn will keep us from War?"

Durnik frowns again, he too grows tired of these circles...or rather to say he grew tired of them long ago, which is why he allowed himself to be relieved of his position rather than simply giving in. "Damn it Theowyn, you can't be this slow! I /know/ your training." He frowns shaking his head, "I don't suggest using two thousand men, I suggest using the Children. A mobile army of well-trained men, that maintain a presence the world over!"

Kellian glances at the Children in the room,"They may have other ideas.." then looks back at Durnik,"Why did you seek their protection?"

Durnik watches Theowyn with a hard look and then at Kellian's question pushes himself off the table throwing his hands up in the air. "I /didn't/ seek their protection. Their protection was forced upon me....though I was forced to concede to it voluntarily.

Durnik turns back around and faces the two of you again...

One of the Children at the end of the table coughs lightly with a meaningful look towards Durnik....warning him to watch what he says.

Kellian nods,"The Queen is not pleased about that." He addresses it as much to the Children as to Durnik.

Durnik brings Kellian's attention back to himself solely. "I am my own many now. I do what I must in order to get things done. If I must be forced to endure an 'escort' for a time....then so be it...if it will save Andor in the end."

Theowyn continues to shake his head, disbelief showing. "The Children do not serve Andor," he begins quietly. "We came here to know what suspecions you have of Illian joining Murandy in a war. If this is all you have, speculation..." Theowyn looks to the children with a raised eyebrow.

Durnik frowns at Theowyn...okay apparently something /was/ lacking in his training. "Have you forgotten the treaty they signed with us, Theowyn? Have you forgotten the Lord Captain Commander's own declaration to defend Andor so long as it did not compromise his Children?"

Kellian brings Durnik's attention back to that,"Why do you suspect Illian will side with Murandy?"

Durnik frowns at both of you again....He simply stands in shock of all that has been missed. Finally he says politely, "What is your opinion of the Ambassador from Illian?"

Theowyn begins to pace the briefing room. "The Queen already has put in place matters that you seem to seek, I fail to understand what more you wish to gain. The Children have their own state of security which requires their attention. They will not mobolize twenty-thousand men in our defense." Again, hints of impatience shows.

Durnik shrugs. "Perhaps not. But politically, and militarily...the Children are the perfect weapon. Not to mention even if they simply hindered Illian, it would be an advantage to Andor."

"Will you answer the question?" Theowyn finally states flatly, his eyes briefly touching on Durnik, though he begins to pay more attention to the Children and their reactions to all this.

The Children do not look happy at all...this will definitely be reflected in their report.

Durnik asks simply..."How do I know?

Theowyn leans forward on the table, his eyes continuing to look to the Children. "What evidence do you have that Illian will join with Murandy. What lead you to this conclusion? What matter of fact can you provide. If it is your speculation, then let us know now, so that we can all leave."

Durnik smiles ironically and looks down at the table. After a moment he looks back up to you smiling..."I hold no evidence whatsoever."

"Of course you don't. Pure speculation, or a tip given to you by a peasant, if not charged Darkfriend," Theowyn manages with the hint of displeasure showing through his features.

Kellian nods quietly,"This meeting is concluded then."

Durnik shakes his head again smiling.

"The Queen wisely distrusts your sanity," Is one matter of spite that Theowyn does offer before turning to the door. After a few steps he stops, and then looks to Methos. "Master Methos. Insure that Lord Durnik is escorted out of the briefing room. This is a place for officers."

Durnik mutters to himself.

Methos looks sad, but nods. "Yes, your highness."

Durnik says, like death, "I believe I already have an escort. I can find my own way out of here....Your Highness." That last said with a definite twist.

Kellian nods at Methos,"Your service in this matter is greatly appreciated Guardsman Methos." Kellian turns on his heel and marches out, ignoring or not hearing Durnik's parting words.

Methos steps back again, looking between the door and his old master.

Theowyn likewise ignores Durnik as he heads through the doors and out.