Marco Polo2014

Hundred Eyes:
If the gods are always watching, we might as well put on a good show. The inability to sleep is the curse of the aged and the guilty.

Kublai Khan:
And the gout-stricken.

Hundred Eyes:
Pardon me. I foolishly assumed you were dreaming about your brother's head rolling in the dirt, his body, a feast for vultures.

Kublai Khan:
Do they hate me?

Hundred Eyes:
It is better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for what you are not.

Kublai Khan:
You're a drunken fool.

Hundred Eyes:
So, kill me.

Kublai Khan:
I have thought about it.

Hundred Eyes:
But you wish to sleep.

Kublai Khan:
I know you want to tell me one of those endless stories from that infernal Chinese teacher of yours.

Hundred Eyes:
No stories tonight, Sire.

Kublai Khan:
No Zen riddles?

Hundred Eyes:
I will offer a truth instead. Had you spared Ariq you would have encouraged other traitors.

Kublai Khan:
His execution was just.

Hundred Eyes:
No. But it was necessary in that moment, to preserve your Empire.

Kublai Khan:
You ease one worry, but aggravate one greater.

Hundred Eyes:
As life is wont to do.