I described the picture to Ian, and here was his interpretation:
This takes place in the Kheldon mansion in Boldhome, before the rebellion. Queen Kallyr has just received the Lunar tax assessment, and has realised that it is more than her tribe can pay without serious hardship. She is consulting with the ranking Ernaldan priestesses concerning the probable grain harvest, and has been told that the yield is not projected to be good enough to pay the tax, get through the winter, and have seed grain for the next year as well. The tribe would have to go into serious debt, possibly to Lunar moneylenders, to manage all three.
The man to her side is listening to the conversation between the two. Being a warrior, not a farmer, it is not his duty to assess the grain reserves needed. He will, however, be needed to help estimate the fitness and morale of the muster, and advise Kallyr on the likelihood of preparing the tribe (and others) for rebellion.
Kallyr must now decide whether to revolt, or pay.
Alison
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