RUSSIANS LOVE THEIR CHILDREN TOO

The boy questions what a craven is, and it is an understandable question. He is young after all, and thus Virgil is willing to oblige. ?It is the worse thing any can possibly be,? she says, and there is a cold note to her voice. ?Cravens are those who would abandon their families. They are cowards. They run and hide, and let the world step on them,? she says this, and she hopes the boy will not decide it is something he wishes to become. ?You are far better than that, little one. A boy with your looks ought to grow strong and brave and win himself a beautiful wife and a plentiful kingdom,? she tells him.

There is little point to her gentleness, other than she wishes dearly she had a son of her own to tell these things to. Her children will own the universe, and perhaps she needs to win that before the gods will gift her with them.