A man ca up to the Caller and the Speaker one day, presenting himself before the pair with a plea for assistance. I am but a humble man, he said, and the levers of the world strive to crush at every turn. I do not know whether it is wiser to ask that I be made greater or the world lesser, but I cannot proceed ahead as I am.
The first to respond was the Caller, and he spoke thus: The world cannot be made lesser, for it is precisely as it must be.
The next to speak was the Speaker, who said: A man cannot be made greater, for he is precisely as he must be.
The supplicant looked up in despair. How then shall I go forth? he cried.
Go forth in faith, the Caller said. For all n are lesser than the path they walk. If your surroundings make you feel small, then you have been granted room to grow.
Go forth in courage, the Speaker said. For you have not yet been tested to the extent of your strength. What we do not know resides in the unfamiliar, so we must travel there to seek it.
The man thanked them and left, weeping tears of joy now that he had been shown the path forward. When his back had disappeared amid the crowd, the Caller turned to the Speaker with a question on his lips.
Was there greatness in this mans heart? the Caller asked. Or have we sent him to his death?
The Speaker smiled, and said: All roads lead to greatness, and to death. We have sent him forth, and this is enough.
- The Book of Eight Verses, the Verse of Secrets. (New Kheman Edition, 542 PD)
Heart-Eater, Antolin rumbled, drawing an aggrieved sigh from Michael. Taskins cleverness has finally reached back around to bite him, it seems. Making a grand enemy for the Safid to fight does more than rally his own n. He gave Michael a calculating look. We can use this.
Lets not, Michael said. Surely the real world is sufficiently horrid that we dont need to borrow from Salehs incitents for flavor.
Antolin gave a rare laugh, shaking his head. Im not proposing that we further what those Ardans have started, although you may find that such fancies are harder to stop than youd prefer. No, Im intrigued at the extent to which it appears to be compromising Safid professionalism. Fanaticism is an excellent motivator but it cannot instill restraint.
Id never have accused Saleh of wanting restraint before, Sobriquet said. So Im not sure why he should begin now.
Because hes tasked with defending Is from us, for one, Antolin said. And it would be convenient indeed if we can pull his troops forward from their prepared positions simply by waving Michaels assud title under their noses. They will adapt, of course, but it will benefit us in the crucial opening moves of this siege.
He looked out toward the city of Is; Michael followed his gaze. They were standing on a low swell of land so distance from the outlying districts, one of the few high points in the flat plains near the coast. The city crowded up against the ocean, a fat blob of whitewashed buildings shining with reflected sunlight.
It might have been a serene view but for the obvious signs of battle; here and there buildings were caved in or blackened from fire, and smoke still rose from points closer to the city center.
It looks mostly intact from here, Antolin mused, but our reports say the fighting has been intense. There will be roadblocks, rubble. Your team will have artifices to clear a path forward for our armor.
He looked at Michael, then smiled. You look worried.
Should I not be? Michael asked, sowhat exasperated. Were about to invade the Daressan capital. n will die, and Ive just been forced to contemplate if that might not affect more directly than Id wish.
Hmm, Antolin said. If it will ease your mind, Im not sending in any of the Ardans with our advance groups. Theyre too fresh, and for all that every soul Ive checked them against has said theyre in earnest Im not going to mix foreign elents with our advance. The lack of coordination alone would be fatal. He shook his head. Theyll stay behind until weve reached more of an understanding.
Michael let his breath out slowly, watching the city laid out below them. That does put my mind more at ease. I still have no concept of what Im doing, though.
Youre not in charge of the whole advance, Antolin chuckled. Youre there for warning, and perhaps protection if they co out with particularly troubleso ensouled. Otherwise, you rely need to follow along and keep your eyes open. Youll retain your liason, Zabala.
Charles will be with your team as well, Sobriquet added, nudging him gently. Part of your artifices.
Im not sure I find that reassuring, Michael deadpanned. He watched the buildings in the distance, imagining that if he strained his sight he could see the forms of n lurking within the buildings, waiting for his advance. He sighed and turned away from the vista.
Then its ti? he asked.
Antolin nodded, and a mont later extended his hand. Michael blinked; he had not expected it, but shook it automatically. The grand marshals eyes were kind, but the smile had slipped from his lips.
Its not an easy day, the first ti you realize that others have expectations of you beyond what they believe they themselves can do, Antolin said quietly. But it changes nothing. Theyve seen you as youve been up to this point; keep being that man. He released Michaels hand.
Michael nodded and looked back towards the airship. Does she have a part in todays events? he asked.
No, Antolin said wearily. Shed be a poor fit for this sort of combat usually, and now that I have cause to question her restraint - shes not happy about it, but well be keeping her in reserve.
Probably for the best, Michael grimaced, turning as he heard the noise of motors behind him; a line of trucks had begun to snake its way along the road, making its ponderous way towards the city. The distant black spots of an armored division watched silently so distance away, but nothing stirred in the city to contest their advance.
It was ti. Michael followed Antolin back towards the road, where a pair of trucks were waiting. Antolin hopped in one and gestured for Sobriquet to follow. She nodded and turned to Michael.
Ill be keeping an eye on you from the command post, she murmured. You have this in hand.
So everyone keeps telling . Michael kissed her. Good luck.
And you. She smiled, then joined Antolin in his truck. Michael turned and climbed up beside Zabala, who gunned the engine and slid them into the convoy. The fortins said nothing, but there was nothing more to say; the view of the city before them had already laid claim to anything worth saying.
Reviews
All reviews (0)