Annotated 20-21
Threats from within as well as those from without. Harky’s role as coalition leader is about as vulnerable here as it ever will be, not counting the trial of ideas by combat he’ll face later. Not only has the Rebellion suffered a serious defeat, but Harky himself was ready to give up and die just a few pages ago; his recast sense of purpose has barely had time to harden. That unnamed troll in panel 4 is helping re-armor him just in time.
Even so, Iver’s a bit shocked. Doesn’t Don Gobligno know that you have to start a whispering campaign against your enemy first and then use their private lives against them? That’s like Politics 101, man.
Can’t really read Gondy’s expression (as fits an Avian), but I have to imagine he’s coming up with either scathing comebacks or exquisite tortures for Don Gobligno.
I think he’s trying to peek into the Don’s ear. See if there’s a brain in there. ^_^
Penk’s concern for Harky, as well as Harky’s feelings, is touching.
(That is: “We are safe” obviously means “You are safe”.)
Vulnerable? Yes. But Don Gobligno’s frontal assault here, when he hardly seems to understand the power Harky wields, neatly provides an opportunity to repair the damage.
I read Iver more as “I am shocked, SHOCKED, to find that there is undermining of our leader going on!”
I think that the shit that is about to go down is what made me start respecting Harky.