"I haven't decided," he repeated. "Though second guessing is a losing prospect, always. The past does not change, and the circumstances are what they are. That is the clay that one must work so to speak, yes? There are many ways, but none of them lead backwards."

He straightened a little on the throne, then leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "The real question is always the ultimate goal and how to arrange everything so all paths will lead to that result." He tilted his head. "Why is such a meaningless question so important to you?"