The theory of war is one that has been endlessly-refined by so of the keenest minds in history. More so than economics, engineering or the other sciences of society, it is war that lends definition to the machinery of state.
It is curious, then, that opinions on the matter differ so wildly. Generals and kings alike quarrel over whether discipline or training is more important, and on the proper place to draw the line between tactics and strategy. Definitions and categories blur into aningless pedantry - and they are all dood to dither onward without reconciliation, for they are speaking of wholly-incomparable things.
Each war is personal, unique. The n fighting it lend their character to it, the terrain as much a personage in the fight as any general. Culture, language, even food may render one war almost unrecognizable from another. Wars are as individual as any man.
If it is not too arrogant of to add my musings to the infinite corpus of prior work, I would therefore submit that controlling a war is as easy as courting a lover. Know its character, its desires and proclivities. Observe it. Imrse in it. Befriend it. When you know it so deeply that you cannot help but love it, there is nothing left but to dance.
- Saleh Taskin, On Reclamation, 687
Contact left, an officer called out.. Ardan scouts, two platoons.
Antolin nodded in acknowledgent, walking over to the observation platforms windows. So they plan to make a fight of it after all, he said. Have the flanks pull in a bit. Theyll be concentrating their forces around the city.
The officer nodded and ran back toward the bridge; Antolin turned to where Leire sat in her viewing box, her wrinkled face turned out to the landscape passing along below them. Ill need you on standby, but only as a contingency. We dont know what preparations theyve made for air defense, and this ship is a tempting target. If Kolbe is in the city after all-
Hes not, Sobriquet said. He has a weight to him, in my sight, and I can see every part of Leik at this distance. Her eyes narrowed. Sibyl is there, though. She noticed us a few hours ago, and shes been relentless in her spying attempts ever since.
Antolin turned to her. I presu youre able to ward her off adequately?
I am Sobriquet, she scoffed. The presence of scouts should tell you how well she can see us; theyd have no need if she were able to work unimpeded.
Fair enough, Antolin said. But we cannot discount the possibility of novel defenses, and even a brigade of Swordsn could spell trouble.
Youre not afraid for the airship, Leire said. Youre concerned about the wrinkly hag its toting around. I can handle myself well enough to be of use.
Your safety is my responsibility. Its not necessary to risk the airship in open combat when we have other options. Antolin turned to look at Michael. Other options that wont turn the airspace over Leik into a raging storm, I might add. Itd be one thing if we were stopping here, but I dont want to tie down our advance in mud and snow unless absolutely necessary.
Leire crossed her arms, giving him an irritated look. This will be a major action, as much as you try to diminish it. I can help, even if Im not at the vanguard.
And Im telling you that your talents are more essential for the Safid portion of our campaign, Antolin countered. We need you to neutralize Taskin, nobody else can do it as effectively. For that, if nothing else, I will not risk you this early in the campaign. Leik is only a stepping-stone on our path.
Bah! Leire scoffed. She turned back toward the window for a mont, then glared down at Michael. So youll be risking his life instead? The future of our country, and perhaps the world, to better preserve my dusty bones?
Michael will be quite safe, Antolin said, his voice even. The Ardans will resist, but we are ndian; you know as well as I that we could take this city with unsouled arms alone. We would just lose more n that way - and that future you refer to will be much more secure if Michael is the one who keeps those n alive.
Leire looked out the window once more. Im being unreasonable, arent I? she asked.
Only a little, Antolin said. She glared at him, and he smiled tolerantly at her viewing box. I have long since learned to account for the unpredictable stressors of war; the predictable ones are easier still to manage.
As long as you dont intend to shackle to the reserve for our entire campaign, she said. I am still the Star of ndian, I will not sit like so useless dignitary while we conduct the most important operation since the Fools War. She made a choppy, irritated gesture at Antolin. Not all the lives are Michaels to save. I still have my duties - to the n, and to myself.
Antolin fixed her with a look. Once the tactical situation has been established, I will make appropriate use of you, he said. There will be no undue risks taken here, we have the n and firepower to keep the Ardans contained at every turn. Their primary advantage is Sibyl, but we should be able to substantially mitigate the threat she poses.
Theres only so much I can do once were actually at the city, Sobriquet warned. Ive tried to veil against her at close range before and its very difficult. I can cloud her vision and make her work hard for what she sees, but I dont know that I can stop her entirely.
Antolin smiled. The weakness of perception-based souls is never the soul itself, he said. Its the bearer. She may see everything, but her mind can only focus on so much of it - and what she passes on to others will reflect that focus. He tapped his foot on the deck lightly, then paced toward the broad windows. After a mont more, he turned to Michael.
We will land once we have a clear picture of their outer periter, Antolin said. Michael, you will be with the ground forces attacking the city, slightly back from the vanguard.
Michael blinked, then nodded. I suppose I can do that, he said, keeping his tone free from the sudden ice that had flooded his gut. You want to - ah. He sighed. You want to draw Sofias attention.
Antolin smiled, showing his teeth. Fighting in the city itself is to be avoided at all costs; its dangerous for both our troops and the remaining Daressan civilians there. The Ardans know this too. They would need a compelling reason to bring their best troops forward. He nodded at Michael, and the barest glimr of glass dust swirled within his eyes. Its early yet, but were close enough that I can see a few things. The line between you and Sibyl will beco a primary axis of this battle once she marks your position.
This all sounds excellent, except for the part where Sofia commands the entire Ardan force to attack , Michael muttered, giving Antolin an acid look. This sounds suspiciously like another attempt to trap into combat. I told you thats not necessary.
Youll be in a position to fight, Antolin admitted, spreading his hands. Your main role will be in diverting Sibyl, though; nothing else will turn solely on your participation. As I said to Leire, we can win this battle without relying on you. If you should make additional efforts, however, they would carry advantages both on and off the battlefield. He t Michaels eyes. My intent is not to force you forward, only to clear a path.
A path to an Ardan bullet in his skull, Leire scowled. Really, Antolin-
He will be well-protected, Antolin insisted, turning to Leire with an exasperated glare. I do occasionally think about my plans before implenting them, you know. There is a team of fortintes with the ground command staff already, and I will reinforce them once the fighting starts in earnest. It will take more than bullets to harm him.
He looked at Michael and Sobriquet in turn. I anticipate that the Ardans will have a few surprises in reserve for us. They should be obvious focal points of the battle, when they erge - shock infantry underpinned by obruors and fortintes, most likely, although I wouldnt bet against a unit of Swordsn showing their faces. Please intervene to disrupt or destroy these assets as they reveal themselves; they will be the linchpins of the Ardan defense and the greatest threat to our n.
Michael nodded slowly, feeling Antolins words settle into his gut. Disrupt or destroy. Eventually, he t the marshals gaze. Ill do what I can, he said.
Antolin smiled and spread his arms. Thats all that I ask. He gestured towards the door. Now, co - well be landing before too long to offload commanders for the ground crew, so you should prepare to deploy.
He walked out, with Sobriquet close behind. Michael followed last; at a niggling feeling he turned his sight towards Leire. The old woman was watching him from within her crystal enclosure, her face pinched tight. Against the radiance of her soul Michael could not tell what emotion had gripped her, but in the mont it felt like worry.
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