Role

Chapter 5

The Lord Panmorne also directed me to speak with those I would consider
enemies, and I could think of no better individual than one of the leaders
of the brigands of the Tree. It was this conversation with the Harbinger,
combined with an astute direction from the Provost Ilyana that proved most
insightful.

When I confronted the Harbinger Elandarn as to why he was
marked as a criminal, I was met with both an expected and unexpected
response. First, he stated that he has never been marked for murder, theft,
or any other breach of the Laws, other than the 4th. He had only ever been
marked as wanted from a direct assault on the Spire or Executioner. This was
rather unexpected, though his rationale, seemed as insipid as they come.


He seizes the scales because they are a power of civilization. This, seemed
as weak an argument as I have ever heard. Even without the Blood Tribunal,
without the Spire, civilization would continue, even flourish. It was here
that Ilyana's direction to read Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes by Servielln
Iglesiun in the Eternal Library provided even more insight into why this is
an utterly flawed argument.

The power of civilization lies in collaboration. Once, collaboration between
man, crop, and animal, the foundations of agriculture. But more so, as
Servielln stated, collaboration between men and women to watch over one
another during times most vulnerable. Even the strongest must sleep, eat,
even defecate. Without others, even the largest herd bull will be brought
low. This means the roots of civilization are in the basis of any organized
and mutually beneficial behavior. Even in their barbaric ways, even the tree
follows their own precepts, and looks out for one another, the very basis of
civilization.

This, I returned to time and time again, as this is my draw for upholding the
law. To be the watch for those who would work together to survive, and
knowing others shall watch for my times of weakness.