This is more of a character study than anything, because some amazing lying and manipulation went on in that episode. And because I don't quite know what to make of this character, and I've sort of been avoiding him. Enjoy!


It was a gift he had always had—as natural as breathing and far more enjoyable. It had saved him more times than he could count. Sometimes he did it even when didn't need to, just for the thrill of it.

Lying. He couldn't wield a blade, form a battle-plan, or lead an army—no, that was not his talent or his role. Instead, he used the sharp steel of words to defend himself; the quick and deadly darts of deception to pierce the chinks in his enemies' armor.

He couldn't remember the first time he realized he was a good liar. What stood out more in his memory was the first time he realized that other people could not and did not lie as he did. This skill, this ability set him apart from everyone else. It was his advantage over those who lacked the intelligence or the will to get ahead by any means necessary.

So he lied. From childhood to adulthood, he lied.

He lied when sweets went missing from the kitchen.

He lied when his sister's possessions were found broken after they quarreled.

He lied when the cat that scratched him as he tried to pet it was killed with a rock.

As a young man, he lied when the injured and weeping serving girl made accusations against him.

He lied about money.

He lied about how he spent his time.

He lied about his ambitions.

He lied about his feelings.

Now, he lied to his only living relative. He deceived and manipulated everyone around him. It made him feel powerful, in control. He was the master, using his brain to outwit the proud brawn of those around him.

And yet… there were times late at night, when the lines between true and false became blurred. He doubted. He stumbled. Reality and the world that he had fabricated jumbled together. What was he doing? Why? Who was he really? Once the lies and deception were stripped away, would there be anything left of him? Was there still a real person inside of him to stand in the light, or was he merely a shadow, a wraith without substance or soul?

The thought left him cold and trembling. Maybe he should change, stop, turn around, and become a man again instead of this thing he was now. But, that would require him to let go of his advantage and start all over again, without the aid of his one great talent. To place himself below others. To kneel before his nephew.

It was a huge decision. It required serious thought. Better leave it until the morning. He pushed the frightful thoughts away and slipped into slumber. He would think about it more tomorrow.

He ignored the little voice deep down that whispered, "Tomorrow never comes."