We phrase national identity as a form of altruism, in most respects; it is a conferred set of values that stands as an equal alongside natural bonds of family and friendship. Just as a man might defer or subvert his individual wants to aid a mber of his family, so too do we ask that he act contrary to his base nature in the na of his countryn.
It is a relatively recent invention, for all that we prize it. Those in the past identified first with their family, their family with their village, that villages headman with the regional lord, and so on upward to the ultimate ruler of a nation. There was no call to cultivate such a personal relationship with the state, a demand that each individual consider themselves first and foremost Gharic or ndiko. Indeed, such tendencies were largely discouraged by local lords who preferred that their residents privilege their regional identities more highly than that of so far-distant central governnt.
We see this too in our past wars, where individual lords added or withdrew their armies based on their preference. In the War, however, each man is called to fight as a personal pledge, a commitnt of one alone to stand alongside his countryn. Where a lord might have dissented, what is one man to do if he questions the direction of his country? Where is one man to turn if the demands of this fresh bond beco too much to bear?
It is not an inherent evil to afford individuals direct links to the state, but nations lack the humanity that defined prior bonds of lordship and kin. They are instead a species of petty god with priests that play as statesn. So feel I am too harsh to term them such; for my proof I need only point to their treatnt of apostates.
- Leire Gabarain, Annals of the Sixteenth Star, 693.
It was past midnight when Sobriquet opened her eyes again, an indrawn hiss of breath causing Michael to slow his tireless run and kneel. Hey, he said, letting her down to the ground. Please dont knock out. It would be very inconvenient right now.
Her eyes glinted in the starlight as she struggled to focus on his face. No, no, she groaned. You cant be here. Im- She turned her head to the side, her body flopping awkwardly over as she failed to rise to her feet. She rolled face-first into the dirt; Michael grinned as he propped her back upright against a tree.
Take a mont before you try to move, he said. You did sothing brave and stupid, and you nearly died for it.
You must be contagious, she coughed, spitting bits of leaf from her mouth. I look forward to a quick convalescence. There was a pause, and she looked off to the side. I rember Sibyls retainers-
I needed her to find you. Michael sat on a nearby outcrop, stretching out his legs. They shouldnt be able to follow us here easily, even if Sibyl can see us now. He looked upward and waved. Sorry again, Sofia. I never ant for it to end this way.
She cant see anything near here, Sobriquet said, scowling - and then looking up at Michael with a curious expression. If she traveled with you she thought you were an ally. Did you join with her and betray her? Didnt you counsel that she was a fearso foe that would pursue far past reasons dictates, and that crossing her was unwise to the point of insanity?
I doubt I was quite that theatrical, Michael said. But yes, shes likely none too happy with right now.
Sobriquets eyes glinted in the dark. You could have just let her have .
And you could have let Sever have , Michael said. It seems were both having an irrational sort of day. He stood up from his perch, stretching his shoulder and wincing as it made a faint noise. Ghars bones, Im not ant for this. How are you feeling?
Well enough. Sobriquet shifted, and in the dim starlight Michael could not make out the contour of her eyes. Considering. I shouldnt be. Her hand ca up to trace along her face absently, her fingers brushing her hair back.
I rember breaking, she said, her voice quavering and hoarse. I shattered. There was only black and pain and - then there was a voice. She cleared her throat and looked up at Michael. A voice reciting idiotic poetry.
Michael coughed. Ah. It helps to link the concepts together. When you say the first word with the rhy in mind, youre already thinking of the second- He paused. Im not sure why I have to explain this to you, it saved your life.
Thanks for that, she said, rising unsteadily to her feet. Her hand gripped onto the tree, and a shimr of dizzying energy hung about her for a mont; it clung and shifted like a film of oil before separating into Sobriquets familiar avatar.
Ah, she said, working her neck from side to side before letting the apparition fade away into the darkness. Thats better. Hard to get my bearings without- She frowned. Why did you take us so far north?
I didnt precisely have a direction in mind, Michael said. I didnt even know I was heading north.
Sobriquet snorted. You stand inford, she said. And as a result, Clair and the others are south of us. A bit east. There was a long pause; Michael could barely make out the soundless movent of her lips. He presud she was speaking to Clair. After a while Sobriquet shook her head and looked into the distance.
All right, she said. Weve got a location to rendezvous with the others. The better news is that Clair managed to link back up with Emil, so well have use of his cart for the journey north so long as we can get it past the front in one piece.
How likely do you think that is? Michael asked. I dont have a good grasp of the situation up north.
As opposed to your thorough grasp of the west, Sobriquet deadpanned. Its quieter. There hasnt been much active fighting along that front recently, although I suspect things are about to get volatile in the wake of Severs push towards Is.
Great. Michael looked around the darkened woods, then sent his sight upward to gain a better vantage. So which way to the rendezvous?
She gestured into the forest. East by south. Theres a tavern weve used before, with sympathetic owners.
Tavern sounds nice, Michael grunted, looking down the path she had indicated. He turned to raise an eyebrow. Youre coming with? Youve been walking parallel until now, keeping your distance.
And look where that got , Sobriquet said. No, Ive lost my grip on that secret already, and itll be hard enough getting across the front without splitting our group. She made a face. It was mostly for appearances, anyway. Mysterious leader without a face draws a lot more n to the cause than so tiny crippled girl.
Michael laughed, walking ahead of her into the woods. An effort of his will set the branches bending aside, clearing an easy path through the darkness. Its nice to put a face to the headache, personally, he said, kneeling down. All right, hop on. If I run we should make fairly good ti.
Youre joking, Sobriquet scoffed. Absolutely not, well walk.
He turned and raised an eyebrow. I literally ran for hours carrying you, and in a much less comfortable position. Im a durens, as you took no small pleasure in pointing out. I dont get tired.
And I am Sobriquet, she said. Im used to making my own way to where Im needed. Were not so pressed for ti that I have to leave basic dignity behind in the woods. She pushed past him and began to walk down the trail he had made. Besides, Im terribly sore from lying around all day. You just keep doing whatever this is and well have a lovely walk.
Michael shrugged and stood, following after her. As you will, he said. Let know if you need to rest.
Ive rested enough. I could eat, if you have any food. She cast a hopeful look over her shoulder.
Sorry, he said. My gear was on my horse, and I didnt think to grab any of yours.
She laughed and turned back forward. Useless, she said. I suppose well have to step lively to the tavern. They do a rather good stew. She set off through the woods with a practiced stride. Michael matched her course, his soul running ahead to draw their path through the midnight wood.
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