Somewhat taken aback by Railtus’s salute, Julen only nodded. He felt surprised that his esteem could mean so much to the warrior. But he was glad that it did. After years of being denied any sort approval from his own parents, Railtus certainly deserved to know that other people thought he’d done much to be proud of.
However, when Railtus mentioned shattering the garrison captain’s arm, Julen couldn’t repress a chuckle. He still remembered Railtus directing a similar threat at Phelan. “You’re hard on the arms of those who cross you,” Julen teased. “If fate ever puts us in opposition, I’ll have to remember to keep both of mine behind my back.”
The lesson about the king and the farmer made a deep impression on Julen. He’d never thought about it like that. Of course, good kings did much to benefit farmers -- kept order, fought off invading armies, arranged beneficial trade agreements. But the fact remained that both parties needed each other. In Julen’s opinion, more rulers would do well to be reminded of that.
“I would like to learn more about Ydren and his teachings,” Julen confessed. “I have always considered myself a man of faith, since I believe very strongly in the power of decency and love. Yet they are only abstract ideals to me. I still haven’t found a religious framework that adequately holds them. My mother paid homage to the spirits of nature, but I learned too little about her values before she died. As for the god my father worshipped...” Julen shook his head. “He seemed more interested in being feared than in being loved. And I do not care for the idea of living my life in fear.”
Almost immediately after they crossed back into the Business District, the Fighter’s Guild loomed before them. It was a simple, unadorned building, but somehow the sheer sturdiness of its construction made it almost unnervingly imposing.
“Here we are,” Julen announced.
Family Affairs
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Sir Karsimir
- Citizen
- Posts: 714
- Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:12 pm
- Name: Karsimir Von Greyssen
- Race: Reichvolk human