The Vorkosigan Companion

by Lillian Stewart Carl

  But who would be the sixth? Given the many connections of the Vorrutyers to the Vorbarras, there could be a Vorrutyer claim. There could still be descendants of not only the "true Vorbarras" Dorca supplanted (besides Ezar and his heir, Gregor), but also of who knows how many Vorbarras supplanted in the same way even earlier in Barrayar's turbulent history. Thus there is little problem coming up with six factions. It is more of a question of whom to leave out of the list: Vorkosigan, Vorpatril, Vordarian, Vortaine, Vordrozda, Vorrutyer, and "true" Vorbarra.

  This doesn't include the possibility that someone thought to be dead might be alive, or that someone thought to have died unmarried and without issue might have secretly married and had legitimate issue. Nor is it impossible that illegitimate issue might make a claim, too. The Barrayarans have not progressed to the complete and certain census of citizens that Beta Colony has, and there could be more than just a few hiding out from past wars or from sweeps such as Yuri's through all rivals. They could also be patriotically, for the good of Barrayar, refraining from upsetting what appears to be a reasonable order. Ezar's father could probably have made a claim when Dorca seized the Imperium, but did not. He could have had many possible reasons for refraining—such as being only seven years old, for instance. Finally, they might be as nutty as fruitcakes, true to their Vorrutyer heritage, and not know that the Imperium could be theirs. What a wealth of opportunity!

  Can't you just see it? Somewhere, some father is passing on the True Talisman of the Vorbarras so that, should the Imperium falter, his son can present this talisman to make his claim. Meanwhile, he is to cultivate his skills and knowledge, practice virtue, and support order. Oh yes, and when the time comes, pass on this duty to his sons.

  —Suford Lewis

  THE END

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