Changing the World: All-New Tales of Valdemar

:That’s one reason why is called “Being Chosen,” Dave, and not “Being Random.” Every Choosing serves a larger purpose.:

“Okay, then, I’ll bite. What’s with all the orphans, sneak thieves, and wretched refuse that get pretty ponies?”

:Well, Dave, it’s one part literary convention . . . who wants to read about a bunch of rich kids who get all the prizes? You can get that on the news.:

“I thought you said it was history?”

:Of course, Dave. The woman has to eat, and pure history is pretty dry. Why not sex it up a bit? Doesn’t take much. Some literary conventions are pretty darned universal. Noble falling on his fundament and getting his comeuppance, usually at the hands of poor but proud girl, who flummoxes him all before they fall in love and get married . . . snooty rich girl meets poor guy with heart of gold. Same tale, reverse the genitalia for equality’s sake. Half of all the stories ever sold used it as a theme. This is being sold as fiction, you know.:

Dave refused to be knocked off stride and plowed ahead.

“So, then, every scullery maid, every farmer’s daughter, every (he flipped the book a few more pages) Holderkin girl of a certain age has to be dreaming that a white horse is going to sweep in and take her away from her Cinderella-ashes and to a life of Cinderella-princess. How do they fit in?” Dave trailed off. The Companion actually managed to look a little embarrassed.

:Umm, well, there is also a practical side. The orphaned, the poor kids aren’t conflicted, you see. They are typically so happy to be there . . . and just so darned lucky . . . that they don’t count the cost and are just happy to be in Haven. The rich kids know they are important. Sometimes the nobles are divided, loyal to both House and Sovereign. In the moment of truth, sometimes Heralds have to lay it all on the line . . . easier in that moment for it to be someone whose only care is to Sovereign and Crown.:

Dave blinked. “So, the lower classes are cannon fodder?”

The Companion shook his head, silvery mane flying.

:Not at all. Companions are too great an investment to spend willy-nilly, but the hardest missions often go to those with the least to lose. It’s never phrased that way, but the sovereign has to balance considerations. Losing a key connection that diminishes a major House may hurt the realm. It good to have some people around where you don’t have to balance those considerations. One is whether a moment’s hesitation, a moment’s pause, means failure and death. It’s better to send someone who’s already chosen. Pun intended.:

“That’s a harsh pun.”