"Explain yourself, monsieur," said Villefaramir, more and more astonished. "I do not understand you ... very well."
"I say, monsieur, that you have a mind of metal and wheels, and see only the outward workings of the machine, like the scholar who studies the works of Trolquien to discover the plate tectonics that led to the sinking of Mordor, in ignorance or indifference to the superb artistry and deeper intentions with which he writes. You view an ent as firewood, a balrogue as a renewable energy source, and a literary classic as a means to show yourself cleverer than your adversaries. Thus you are blind to those whom Érou and the Valards have placed above all the ministers and kings of the earth, and veritably an invasion of dragons or trolls would benefit your civilisation enormously. The nations took Sauron, who came to conquer them, as an invader like any other; and Ulmon had to reveal himself in majesty before Tueur realised he was more than a peculiarly annoying flâneur."
"Alors," said the steuard, marvelling, and uncertain whether he was dealing with a crank, a wizard, or a madman. "You regard yourself as one of these exceptional beings to which you refer?"
"Why not?" said the Count, coldly.
