I read this short story around 1971. The basic plot is for a steward to lead the king's son to another city state. Along the way they have a number of interactions with people/subjects that demonstrate the immaturity of the son. Last one involves the son beating up the suitor of a innkeeper's daughter. When confronted by the steward, the son displays his contempt and chauvinistic regard of his future subjects and the steward kills him. Turns out the trip was a test of his suitability to assume the crown and the steward explains to the king that he was not worthy. Been looking in all the anthologies can seem unable to find it.
Thanks for your help
Answer
It's "Call Him Lord" by Gordon Dickson. Not fantasy, though. It involves the son of the emperor of an interstellar empire being sent to Earth for testing. Earth is kept as a "rural preserve" in order to preserve the qualities they want in the rulers. It won the Nebula for Best Novelette in 1966.
A full copy can be found online here
Comments
Post a Comment