Peculiar Soul Chapter 106: How Far We've Come

Saf is a country forged in struggle. It is a product of countless exigencies and tornts pressing upon it from all borders. Our conflicts with the Bulu and the Ardans have done more to shape our nation than any twist of theological debate held in Khems hallowed halls. Therefore it is in tis of war that we see the greatest potential for growth.

We conceive of nations as solid, resilient creatures, but they only seem so because we compare them to the changeable nature of our own selves. Indeed, when we are reforged as different n daily by the crucible of war, it is difficult to notice the mark of ten years upon a nation.

But as a nation or a man, we must take the change into ourselves wholeheartedly. If we do not, and we indulge in the lure of a self that exists only in our mories, then we risk being crushed by the tides of an uncaring world. Nostalgia is a luxury; to cater to its whims is to declare war on change itself - and there is no power yet that has erged victorious from that battle.

- Saleh Taskin, On Reclamation, 687

I speak from deep experience when I say that this is the most boring group of fighters Ive ever seen, Sobriquet sighed. Theyre - sitting. Doing nothing. Its no wonder I didnt spot them farther out, theyre barely awake over there.

Zabala grunted. Not doing nothing, he said. If theyre associated with the Ardan advance, theyll be where they are for a reason. Theyll have a purpose - orders. And if theyre not doing anything now, its because the ti to execute those orders hasnt co yet. Theyre waiting.

That would tend to corroborate Marcuss claim that an advance is imminent, Michael sighed. He looked up at the first wan traces of sunlight coloring the clouds; today would be overcast. Shit. Do you know, I was still half-hoping that he was leading us on.

You should know better than that by now, Charles muttered. Its always worse than you think. He pushed his bracer forward to his hand, letting the tal flow up and over his fingers. So? We going to go over and ask so questions? Crack so heads?

Michael tapped a finger on his chin.