Those Who Sharpen the Mind

Paths and Inscriptions

Un'tra closed the book. "So, you see the migration of birds can give us a clue at the kind of rainy season we may have." Drake said nothing. This was his usual response. Un'tra continued to read lessons and try to have discussions with the imprisoned man.

"What do you think, Drake? The Paths of these birds leave tracks that we can interpret. Those who are worthy may use these tracks to protect their Path. Have you never sat and stared at the beauty of our avian peers."

"They are no peers of mine, just winged rodents I think." Un'tra had become accustomed to using certain words or phrases to break Drake's silence.

"They may not share your emotions or even your intelligence. However, they do share this world and their Path with you." Drake looked up to rebuke this idea, but the purple markings on Un'tra's face still disturbed him. He kept his silence and looked away from his undesired teacher.

"I will see you in a few days, Drake. Here are some books for your studying and I'll make sure some food is sent up soon." Un'tra rose from his chair. The same chair from Un'debro's quarters. It gave Un'tra comfort and mercy when dealing with Drake. Before Un'tra could get too far, Drake asked.

"How's the wonderful experiment of democracy going?" Sarcasm dripped from every word.

"There have been many strides and stumbles. Many key positions have been established and fine men and women elected to enact their duties. Some of your former Senators were even voted back into office. It seems that Senator Malbock did not hesitate to distance himself from your ambitions. I do fear that not all of the former Senators believe in this new democracy, but they are citizens and have the right to peaceful dissent." Un'tra said confidently. Since the reimagining of the Senate and the addition of a Judiciary, Un'tra had felt an expanding hope within him.

"Cut the speechcraft. I'll be rotting in here whenever you decide to seize power for yourself." Drake snapped. "You think your faith makes you wise, but I know what power can do to men."

"No, my faith keeps me strong. My constant education keeps me wise. I do not doubt you have seen power's coercion. The few remaining Holi-inte are merely administrators of the peaceful transfer of powers. The Haimorish shall be the ones to disperse power and keep it accountable. I have not seen my repeated visions and signs to singularly declare victory and completion. You had an end goal, Drake. The people of Haimore now work to solve ever-changing goals. One day you will be released, but on that day you will be empowered by your education and contribute to our shared progress like all citizens and denizens."

Drake scoffed at Un'tra's speech as he often did.

"You want to convert me to your faith and masquerade it as progressive values."

"Faith is not a requirement in Haimore. Repeated demonstrations and transparency of your actions now are ." Un'tra said sternly. He had lost his patience with Drake's insolence for the day.

"I will see you soon. I hope you have read and desire a discussion, or even an argument by that time. I feel terribly lonely and unfulfilled with these one-sided conversations." Un'tra smiled and left the room. He did not hate Drake and what he had done. Un'tra wanted to dive within his mind and see the light of his forgotten Path. He knew it was in him, behind the seas of darkness and anger.

Un'tra took a new book from the newly built public library. The public library was free to all, instead of centralized to certain groups as it was before. Un'tra loved to stroll through the aisles and have random conversations with young wisdom seekers. The buzzing of discussions and turning of pages warmed Un'tra's heart.

Un'tra took his book, some food, and a bottle of mead and headed for the lone tree on the hill outside Haimore. Un'tra understood why Un'debro loved this place. The air was crisp, the smells delightful, and the stirring creatures around the tree aided the mind. Un'tra was at peace in his reading position. He gazed over the Green Caverns and remembered all the sacrifices from over three years prior. Haimore was not perfect, but Un'tra had faith that the people would bring the city-state along its glorious Path.

Un'tra took a moment to jot an idea he had on the margins of his book. He would jot this idea in many of the books he read. Hopefully, many future generations would read this and embody the ideal.

"Power and progress can not be summited.

They are hard won and checked at every bend of the river."