record_id: 303f8b3e-f83d-81d6-a9ac-df6a430e108a
created_time: 2026-02-10T03:27:00.000Z
title: 02-09 Briefing: Domestic Logistics, Ethical Leadership, and Scholarly Reform in a Fantasy-Political Scenario
source_url: /

[TRANSCRIPTION]
Speaker 2 00:01:03
Ready. Is there anything here? Oh, yeah, sure. Yeah.
Speaker 1 00:01:07
No, that's okay.
Speaker 2 00:02:32
Um, yeah, you pay me. You come me pick it up. The pressure washer tomorrow's good? Yeah, tomorrow can is come here tomorrow. Have you check it yet or no? No, I'll check it and if there is a lot more that's okay. And, if there is a lot more in our two hours more the. 
Speaker 3 00:02:47
Next uh check yours.
Speaker 2 00:02:49
Okay okay thank you okay thanks all right have a good day Too. 
Speaker 2 00:07:30
Just take your time. Nobody wants to come out here.
Speaker 4 00:10:42
Whisper to me some great power that I might tap into. Still, Domienos looked at her as though she might have a sudden revelation. At last, he released her from his gaze. "You'd better hold on to that," he said, nodding at the disk. Minon frowned. She'd expected him to claim it, Insist on taking it back to Arconia, where it could be kept safe now that he knew something of what it was. She wasn't sure whether she should have refused him. Did Julian Bargain know what he had left her? She'd thought the gold ingots stolen from the Leczenzan treasury were what he had intended her to find in Victor's sarcophagus. Now it seemed she had yet another reason to know she had never understood her father as well as she once thought. Why? She hated how her voice shook Because, you stand a better chance of surviving another encounter with our friend than I do. And I'd rather he didn't get his hands on a second one. Alexandro Daminos smiled, his face brightening with a humor Manon could not share. Besides, maybe he'll start speaking to you. Interlude One: Excerpt from a letter dated during the reign of Varen the First, the Thunder King, The Prince Among the Shadows, The Fifth Alescu to an unknown recipient from an unknown sender. The paper bears faint traces of the royal seal, marking it as a document originating within the Palace of Elysium, though efforts were clearly made to scrape the embossed ink from the parchment.
Speaker 4 00:11:39
It was discovered much later in Rhea, without a hidden document, in the aftermath of that city's rebellion. You will hear the news soon enough. But I am sure it will twist and transform like a viper shedding its skin as it winds its way to you, Earning new scales and losing others as it is carried on common tongues who have no regard for the truth. You know as well as I, the unspoken refrain that lingers always in E lys ium : Rhea is too far. Four words that weigh heavy on the crown, or at least on those who bow and scrape to it, Those who would empty every drop of their own blood from their bodies in the fruitless hope that carrier blood might flow in its place. I do not think the crown cares much for matters of leagues and distance. When those who wear it have been known to destroy cities before the break of dawn. But I think those four words weigh heaviest of all on those of us in Elysium who serve the shadow of the southern cities, the memory of what was long before our own births, Who search for light within this darkness and try to mitigate the horror, our kings and queens visit upon this world, as I do and as you did before that ill-fated day. Yes, Rhea is too far. Too far to keep within a fold with good intentions alone. I fear the day will come when Rhea decides to test its wings. Perhaps not while Analeski lives and breathes, though when that might cease to be is a question I dare not contemplate. But enough.
Speaker 4 00:12:38
Ria's future is an old argument you and I have had too many times. I have promised you news, and the courier I have managed to arrange in secret will not wait. Talarion, the prince among the stars, is dead. We have a new king, the brother Varen. Unremarkable as we know even the eldest youths must answer to death. But what is remarkable is the manner in which it unfolded. You must promise me, my old friend that you will breathe nothing of this to anyone, even to the shades you've seen in your dreams. What am I saying? Of course, you know how to keep your tongue to yourself. ;, you would not be alive. Had you failed to acquire this skill. Varen killed his brother; this is what must be known, even if only by you. This knowledge must exist outside of the palace, where it may have a fleeting hope of living on. The Alessios, for all their belief in their own superiority, Are no better than any other noble family in which jealousy and hatred run deep. They do not present this face to the world, of course. We see only a unified bloodline, a power bordering on the divine that promises to endure. We see their faces shining in glory, and we are not meant to know that brother spies on brother, that daughter plots against father, That consorts who are meant to be nothing more than placid bastions of carrier blood threaten to topple the dynasty. Verron's hatred of his star- gazing brother roosted in the shimmering gardens are the deepest places of Elysium.
Speaker 4 00:13:35
Implacable and ever-present, Sustained on the cruelty and violence that poisons the very air we must breathe within these walls. How did he do it? How did the prince among the shadows kill Tulerian? I saw a shadow where none should be. I will say no more. Chapter five: Everyone knows they wanted to be immortal. She will see this as a betrayal. Sasha eyed the man standing before him in the grey dawn light. Behind the hunter from Lichenza, a pair of grooms were hauling feed and water for the outpost's horses. In the distance, a dog cavorted among the chickens; the rest of yard was quiet. Sasha had intended to make an early start Only to find Luka waiting for him in the common room of the officer's house. They had walked out to the yard in silence. She may, Luka said, if she learns of it. In Sasha's experience these things were generally learned of eventually, one way or another. He decided not to disabuse the man of this notion. Then she means to continue to follow him? Wouldn't you, in her place? He is her brother, Luka said. Of course. I just wonder when she will remember that she has an agreement with the Archduke and that he does not take such things lightly. I don't know the exact nature of what he has asked of her, but I do know he won't appreciate a delay. But she's not forgotten, Luka said. 
Speaker 4 00:14:31
He seemed to expect Sasha to press him to reveal more, Despite the fact that Sasha had pointedly refrained from doing so at any number of opportunities. But Sasha had no intention of inserting himself in affairs. The Archduke did not see fit to share with him. "Why do you follow her?" That at least he would answer. As far as he was concerned, Manon Barker had not yet demonstrated a reason to merit respect or loyalty. The hunter met Sasha's gaze with equal steadiness. The man had seemed unremarkable the night before, except perhaps for his willingness to speak when Manon could or would not. It had been done, Sasha had understood, out of a desire to spare her. He had not understood why. But here in the first light of morning, Sasha saw a strength he could appreciate. "I did her wrong upon our first meeting," Luki said. Sasha waited. There was always more if one was willing to wait. The hunter shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "And if she is not careful," he paused, choosing his words, "there are forces surrounding her that could destroy her." "If she does not destroy herself first," Sasha said, looking for the man's reaction. He was pleased with what he saw. Luki did not argue; did not offer a blustering refutation of Sasha's pronouncement. He merely nodded, his eyes solemn.
Speaker 4 00:15:25
Be careful, Sasha said, turning to accept his horse as a third groom walked out of the stable. Chaos seems to follow when Oribarca is around. Or she brings it with her. I'm not sure. Luca smiled. I've noticed. Sasha pulled himself into the saddle. I do not say that to be amusing, he waited until the smile faded, When Oribarca once used her carrier powers to attempt to sink a ship, all for one person on board, think about how many lives she was willing to sacrifice in exchange for a moment that might have passed for fleeting vengeance. And if that is what she did with all of Tyridion gathered to witness think for a moment, whether it is possible, she has done worse when no one was watching. And then allow yourself to wonder what she might do for her brother. He saw the weight of his words settle on Luca. Saw, but did not blink before a response. The mayor sprang forward at his touch, and together, they brushed past the hunter from Lecenza, while Manon Barker slept, unaware of the secret, her secret which Sasha now carried with him. You were the Arch-Commander of Arcunia, a hero of the Seven Cities. And Rade refuses you anything? Sasha was fairly sure he wasn't imagining the edge of sarcasm in the old man's voice. He wondered if this Master Librarian was he assumed right to be. 
Speaker 4 00:16:22
Case, had not spent as much time lost in a book as they would. Which I appreciate, Master Darmody," Sasha said. " B ut I do not come to you because I outrank you and can ask what I wish. I come to you indeed, I knock on your door at this obscenely early hour because you have the respect of the smartest person I know." The librarian snorted and passed a hand over his ample belly. " T hen, perhaps you should speak to the Spasini instead of bothering me before my sausages." "I would," but I knocked on a different door even earlier than this one. And I learned that Esfet Caravale is not in the city. Not even on these shores." In fact, Sasha had arrived at the Caravale home straight from the road into Arcanum, while darkness still caressed the rooftops of the city. He had waited, because one does not generally wish to bother the vice-chancelier of Alkonir, who likely slept little enough without dawn disturbances, until the eastern horizon had shown the first hints of grey and pink. A maid, who had peered through a crack in the door was suspicious and sleepy - eyed, but started upon catching sight of him in his coat. She knew that three stars were crossed spears at Sengen and bolted, leaving the door ajar behind her before Sasha had a chance to speak. He hovered on the threshold for a moment, Then ventured into the marble hall just as the vice - chancelier—the very same whom Sasha had hoped might remain undisturbed—emerged at the top of the wide staircase to the second level.
Speaker 4 00:17:19
Esca's father appeared to be far more awake than maimed, however, and he had looked down at Sasha with a single raised eyebrow. Sasha had begged pardon and got up to the point rather promptly. He had not seen Maximillian de Caravelle outside of the Varagam in more than two years, and was aware that this fact was likely not lost on the Vice-Chancelier. Esca, he learned, Was away - across the sea. In fact, - on a journey of unknown length with the company, of course. He had known this was possible; after all, he had last seen her while arresting Tivon de Vinescu, the Iron Baron. Then she had disappeared with Sasha's force in the direction of the harbor. This information conveyed Maximillian de Caravelle offered Sasha tea or coffee or whatever it was, he might prefer. An offer Sasha was quite certain he was meant to refuse, and so he did. There was only one other place to go, the place Esku trusted most. The Ludicrum would not open its dignified doors until more civil hours, but Sasha happened to have attended a dinner some years before with Esku, of course, at the house of Diomedes Tumien, Master Librarian. And Sasha happened to have a very good memory for many things—not least of which were names and places and addresses—landing him firmly on the Master Librarian's doorstep without a clear notion of his next steps. He knew Esku would have been very amused ;. He liked to think she might also be a bit proud at the name of Esca de Caraval. Master Diomedes' good-natured grumpiness was.
Speaker 4 00:18:17
Replaced by a fond smile. Even Eshka never knocked on my door at this early an hour, but between you and me, it was probably only a matter of time. He stepped away from the door and gestured Sasha inside. Please, we can talk in my study. A study might have been. It turned out more aptly considered a storage room for scrolls. The walls, all four of them, Were lined with small cubbies, each stuffed. No, no such a messy word would not be justifiable, each containing anywhere from two to six scrolls. And each scroll lovingly rolled to perfection and placed with care above Sasha, who had to pause upon entry to take all this in more parchment, waved in the draft of the door opening. And closing suspended with clothespins. From twine that stretched from wall to wall, furniture consisted of two chairs, a table holding several writing instruments, and a single cabinet in one corner. The lone window, tall and without adornment, Cast a shaft of light across the floor, while dust motes drifted here and there. "My work," Master Diomedes said, as if this might not be obvious. The librarian settled into the chair closest to the window and indicated for Sasha to take the other. "Now young man," what brings you to my door?" This was not like giving a military report. Sasha had never had difficulty relaying a series of facts and events or offering an interpretation of them. " I ' ve just ridden in from the country east of Arkonia, near the Lydian outpost. If you know it."
Speaker 4 00:19:16
While conducting work for the Archduke in the area, I was alerted to a strange incident in a nearby village. The river there had turned black and foul, and not a single living fish was to be found. Additionally, a strange fire was seen the night before this, strange because it evidently had burned on bare rock without kindling or fuel. I was curious, but I only determined to go see it for myself when the soldier reporting to me, spoke of whispers of dark spirits. I grew concerned that fear might drive these villagers to harass or even harm an innocent person as they sought someone to blame. A wise choice," Diomedes said. "Fear is a powerful thing." Sasha nodded. "I found that not only was the river tainted A murder had been committed. Sasha waited as a servant entered the study, Bearing a gently steaming pot of tea and a tray containing plates of bread and sausages, and a liberal supply of butter. As the servant retreated, Master Dionysus slathered butter on his slice of bread. He began to chew as Sasha continued his tale. The body was marked, branded, and her throat was cut violently so. While I had originally assumed the change in the river was due to natural occurrences, I find it unlikely that these things are not connected. This is a village that sees few strangers. These are people for whom excitement comes in the form of arguing over whether the ale is as good as last year's or whether the storm will bring enough rain. These are not people who cut throats. 
Speaker 4 00:20:15
If the librarian disagreed or concurred with this assessment, he gave no sign. Sasha plowed onward, leaving any further investigation in the hands of the outpost captain. I began the return journey to Arkhona. I was attacked that very same evening, not far from the village. Sasha glanced down at his hands, remembering the way a fog had crept into his mind. " I am no stranger to the ways of battle ambush than many ways of killing man," This was unlike anything I have ever experienced, Master Daimyody. My attacker used a fog of his creation. I was robbed of my senses, of the ability to move with any speed in my defense. "I would have died if not for the timely arrival of a carrier." She penetrated the fog with fire and scared off my attacker." The librarian had ceased to eat. He sat back in his chair and studied Sasha. "You have my interest, Arch-Commander. Do you know anything as to the identity of this stranger? He wore a mask, a skull of gold. " " I learned from the woman who saved me that she'd been tracking him for some days. She and her companion had witnessed a number of other things in that time, things far stranger than a tainted river." "More importantly, she understood something of the brand on the dead woman, for she possesses a sibling to the thing that caused it." Diomedes to the end remained quiet, his gaze resting somewhere over Sasha's shoulder. "There is something else," Sasha hesitated. The secret Luca had shared with him weighed in his chest.
Speaker 4 00:21:13
There would be no undoing what he said next. It would change the shape of Manon Barker's future forever. The woman who saved me is called Manon Barker. You may know the family. I do. Whoever is behind that gold mask used to be her brother, the librarian frowned, you mean to say your attacker was Perrin Barker, only surviving brother of Manon Barker? Sasha shook his head slowly, no, I mean that he is no longer Perrin Barker. He is someone else. It remains to be seen if something of Perrin survives. The frown deepened, I'm not sure I comprehend Arch-Commander, You seem to be suggesting that an unknown person has assumed control of Perrin Barker's body? And mind. Sasha held the librarian's gaze. Occupied both as I might occupy a city with my army. A long moment of silence. You have taken your sister's word for this? You have no other proof? I trust that your sister knows when her brother is not her brother any longer. Sasha could see the librarian's mind at work, could see the rebuttal forming, and could not let that happen. Sir, please, Sasha said, getting to his feet. I know the words I am saying seem to be impossible. I know you are a man of learning. I know your understanding of the world is built on fact and evidence and years of study and the work of countless brilliant minds who came before you. But I also know that Espera Caravelle who shares your love with logic and evidence.
Speaker 4 00:22:11
Believes there are things in this world, the minds of men and women cannot explain. Diomede pushed himself up from his chair. He seemed unsteady, older than he had been. With one hand on the back of the chair, he pivoted to face the window, then took three hesitant steps until he reached the panes of glass. Sasha waited. Describe the brand, Diomede's voice was hardly more than a whisper. Perfectly circular, Sasha said. The char even but for several small disruptions markings, a pattern of lines and dots. He watched Diomede's head sink, saw how the old man sagged. When Diomede turned to face Sasha once more, his steps were sure again Posture straight. And yet Sasha could see the strain in his eyes, could see that pride alone bore him upright. "You say I am a man of logic," Arch-Commander. "The facts you are correct." And the facts are these: The librarian took a deep breath. When the Alethian kings and queens made their first incursions into territory they wished to conquer, they followed a certain pattern, nearly without fail. It was designed to strike fear into the hearts of the people they would soon slaughter, yes, but it was also a game. They were above everyone, you see ; saw themselves as without equal, and they played with their victims, like a cat does a mouse because they could. The pattern so. Diomedes' voice was very quiet. 
Speaker 4 00:23:11
Poison the waters, set strange fires in the night, a shaky breath and then murder. The manner of death varied. Always it was violent and always the bodies were marked with brands, perfectly circular brands. Sasha wet his lips, suddenly thirsty. Everyone knows they wanted to be immortal. The voice that said those words seemed not to be his own. I won't speculate, Arch-Commander Diomedes' face grew harsh. I don't know what made the brands, I don't know why they were made. The last Alethean tyrant died three hundred years ago. Sasha knew better than to upset him further.As you say so And yet, when he stood outside the Master Librarian's door, now in the full light of the morning sun, one thought reigned in Sasha's mind: An Alaskian walked the world once more. By the time Sasha reached the Varadon, desperate for a meal and a bed, A second thought had worked its way into the maelstrom swirling in his mind, : He could be an imitator. This was, in fact, likely a more realistic scenario :, an opportunist with talent and a penchant for claims. A disturbing amount of talent if Sasha was honest. In the centuries since the death of Varen II, The Alaskians had inspired more than few who were in awe of their power. It was certainly easier to consider that such was the case once again.
Speaker 4 00:24:06
Easier than the notion that a dead man was on the verge of unleashing a reign of terror. And yet, there was the matter of Ferrin Barker to consider. Fitting him into the equation was an exercise in futility. In the end, Sasha was deprived of the time to consider Ferrin Barker, food or sleep any further. He was steps from his bed, just one corner, One more hallway to traverse, and then Sasha could sink into the quarters reserved for him at The Veridum. But a voice calling from behind him brought him up short: "Dominus!" Not a command but not a voice he could ignore. Sasha cursed inwardly though he was so exhausted his mind could not even string together, appropriate foul words and turned. Valenzuela. The man at the opposite end of the hall, a blue velvet runner stretching between them, stood with his arms behind his back, feet planted, an unpleasant smile bristling with contempt from behind his dark beard. A silver griffin, not the trihorned sort of the Maslows', gleamed on his lapel. Sasha tried-he really did try-to evade becoming confrontation. At least until he could face it without yawning. I've just returned from two days of travel and distance meant for four. You will excuse me-I will not! Sasha yawned. There it was-the extended sort of yawnd that could be very poorly interpreted-it was! You will not insult me the way you have insulted my men!
Speaker 4 00:25:05
The chin beneath the beard jutting out, Vellinsweiler took one step forward. Sasha steeled his voice. "The matter does not need to be settled in this very moment," Vellinsweiler. " T, he matter will be settled when I have visited the same hurt to your jaw as you have done to Eriqua." The commander of the Archduke's Rifles started down war once more, his fists raised. Sasha rolled his eyes. "Are you a child, Vellinsweiler?" He had a moment to process two things: first, That the shoulders of commander's uniform would not permit the range of motion that could make his fists deadly ;, helpful. And second - well, The second was that Sasha was too tired to think of an alternative to the brawl that seemed headed his way, ; less helpful. Gruntin, Valens waved a bored short. His gaze fixed on someone behind Sasha. Ah, Alexander. I had heard a rumor sighting you somewhere in these woods. Valaxia, to rose to vocal pro Archduke of Arkonia stepped into Sasha's peripheral vision. I am delighted to learn it is true. Sasha turned to face the Archduke full on and inclined his head. Commandant Torin, I am just arrived and Adrian Valens made a scowl, his face darkened You will both attend me now. 
Speaker 4 00:26:02
The voice remained light, the face creased in a gentle, pleasant smile. The change, come on, was in the archduke's eyes. Sasha kept his sigh internal, but Valenzuela made no effort to smooth over his disgruntled features. Indeed, As they followed on the archduke's heels as he led them, not back toward the wing, where he conducted business but deeper into the warren of offices and apartments, Valenzuela made a point of walking just a step ahead of Sasha, closer to the man they both served. Sasha had not one to indulge in petty games. ; made a point of not noticing. The archduke came to a halt at the entrance to a deserted game hall and indicated for Sasha and Valenzuela to precede him. A low net had been strung between the walls, and chalk lines indicated the boundaries of play. A pair of rackets leaned against the far wall. The Archduke was smiling. "It seems that you two are at odds again," Mark Turov gestured to the rackets. "Go on, let this decide the argument since you insist on a scholarly lecture. " That insight into Sasha's greater amusement with an even intonation was already moving toward the rackets as from his Archduke's England laughed, " I can't have two of the most senior men in my government not be able to resolve their differences." Sasha glanced at his intended opponent.
Speaker 4 00:26:56
Val enzuela was examining the strings of the rackets as though one might give an advantage over the other. Ridiculous, I forfeit," he said." It was a risk, but one he was willing to bet the Archduke might appreciate. The expression that met his gaze, however, gave no indication this might be the case. He would.
Speaker 5 00:27:10
Manuel sent a video.
Speaker 4 00:27:13
Make Sasha wait. After all, Sasha had learned that particular skill from the best." Valenzuela threw the racket to the ground." Then you admit your conduct against Erewhon was."
Speaker 5 00:27:23
Manuel said translated. The floor needs to chip. I can't put it like that.
Speaker 4 00:27:28
It's egregious and beyond the scope of your command. He said egregious with two p's.
Speaker 1 00:28:08
Go for it. Sasha. 
Speaker 4 00:28:23
Very nearly wanted to laugh. I do not, Sasha returned his attention to the archduke, ignoring Valenswiller's suddenly bared teeth. I merely choose not to play this particular game. The archduke had never stopped smiling that pleasant smile, leaving little room for interpretation of his thoughts. I will accept the forfeiture. Mark Duros said, though it does come with a penalty. "Alexandre," he added with a sympathetic shrug, "to be discovered later, of course. So be it." The Archduke dropped his smile. "I will be expecting you both in the Hall of Mirrors this afternoon. You will be notified as to the exact time." His gaze slid to Sasha. "You had better rest, Alexandre." Not a threat, but then not exactly unthreatening. Sasha understood that he had to be at his best ; that some sort of reckoning was coming that afternoon ;, that this was about more than a disagreement between the Archon of Arcadia and the leader of the Griffins. What exactly it was about, Sasha could not have said—but at least Lannen's veiler's face.
Speaker 4 00:29:08
Made it clear he was equally ignorant. And then the Archduke was gone, leaving Sasha to wonder if the fists were about to re-emerge. Valenzuela's glowering face certainly suggested they might. Perhaps it was the exhaustion speaking, or perhaps not. Sasha really was too tired to know. Regardless, He apparently decided it was a good idea to smile at the commander of the Griffins and pour every ounce of contempt. He possessed into his voice : " T ell your man Eriqua that I'd be happy to make his face more symmetrical if he'd like." Sasha turned and strode away, though he fancied he could hear Valenzuela choking on his rage. Better not look; that would ruin everything. Besides, Sasha was too busy yawning.
Speaker 4 00:29:38
Chapter Six. It should never have been mine. I'm sorry, did you say banned? Esgar drew back from the bronze banded doors of the Roxanos chapter of Vandera's Supreme Guild of Scholars and Scribes. I did. The man standing across the threshold from Esgar smirked openly as he said this. Esgar wondered if he ought to point out that the white stole gracing his shoulders, the uniform of guild members above a certain rank, was stained with a smudge of something that might have been chocolate. It wouldn't help matters, of course, but it might be satisfying. Esgar took a deep breath. May I ask why? The man sniffed and proceeded to lean his torso and head back at a ridiculous angle, so he might attempt to look down on Esgar. The guild is not open to women. And yet I was granted entrance four years ago, a courtesy to your father and his position. She could have said a great many things, most of which would have been poorly received, to say the least. Instead she tried to harness the scholar's twisted logic, and my father is still my father and his position is still his. This earned a dismissive one-shouldered shrug. That may be, but there is also the matter of the circumstances of your last visit. Esca adopted a frown, though she was fairly certain she knew what was coming next. What do you mean? The scholar's smirk vanished replaced by the genuine loathing Esca had suspected lurked underneath she had witnessed it.
Speaker 4 00:30:38
Been subjected to it on her previous visit. Though she'd have found a few friendly faces within the guild, and Dara's customs still ran deep within both its halls and its members, customs that did not allow women in such spaces. The man took a half step toward her. "You publicly debated the head of our revered council," he hissed, "and questioned the founding premises of his theories on the Myomian civilization." "Is debate and honest discussion not a hallmark of scholarship, sir?" Esla asked, making sure to maintain a sweet smile despite the scorn roiling in her gut. "Should peers not challenge each other? It is how we all rise to greater understanding." Peer? The word came out in a strange sort of gasp as the man reared back as though Estra were a scorpion preparing to sting. Master Arotza has no peer, the scorn won. Then I pity you all, Estra said, dropping all pretense of pleasantry. She didn't give the outraged scholar a chance to respond, Turning on her heel. She strode away from the guild's doors and across the empty plaza. As it happened, The contents of her satchel would likely have gained her entry regardless of her previous transgressions and trumping even Anberran's cultural traditions, but Estra was no longer inclined to share those contents with the masters of the supreme guild. Her steps took her through narrow streets sloping down toward harbor. 
Speaker 4 00:31:34
Until, she reached a pretty set of small gardens she had passed on her way to visit the guild. Pausing amid the pink and white flowers, Estra bent over to smell the blossoms and rolled her shoulders, which did precisely nothing to dispel the frustration knotted there. She took a seat on a stone bench, Determined not to leave and return to the royal residence until she had mastered the desire to write a treatise detailing all the ways in which women, yes, women had influenced the course of Angarian history. Women who were conveniently forgotten by their own people. Write and then produce enough copies to paper the streets of Roxanos, of course. That's actually a very tempting notion, Estra murmured to the flowers, A laugh forming on her lips, though it might not be what you'd please. Our dear prince. Not that Esca was in a mood to please Fratricus. The prince of Vandalia was delaying their departure, Most certainly to punish Esca for her impudent belief that she had a place in a conversation among men. The contracts to employ two of his men had been written up within a day of that conversation, and the prince had even had his experts examine them. He merely needed to instruct the two men in question to sign them, an instruction he had failed to give for four days, claiming too many demands on his time. Esca's uncle was either unbothered by the delay or was determined to show patience when Esca could not, Which was in her opinion childish and just the sort of unnecessary behavior to further deepen the wedge between them. But then Esca could not adequately convey her wish to continue their journey toward Sardis with some haste.
Speaker 4 00:32:32
Not unless she wanted to explain a great many things to her uncle, and convince him that an artifact of world-altering power lay hidden there. Once, she would have divulged it all without hesitation. They were partners after all, and he was her uncle, the man who had introduced her to her life's work. But to speak of the disks, To reveal the truth of the godforged to Valentin would mean sharing what she knew of the archduke's desire for both the disks and an army of kherads. And Eeska did not know if a long history between the archduke and Forenzio company, their patronage and support, would influence her uncle's ability to examine those facts with a fair mind. Eeska sighed and watched a beetle clamber up a stem of a flower and emerge onto the soft pink petals. The delay in leaving Roxano's had given her the opportunity to achieve one of her other aims, that is, Pay a visit to the supreme guild of scholars and scribes with a certain item in her satchel, an item that would be of great interest to them. But it seemed she was fated to be thwarted at all turns. The sound of someone deliberately clearing his throat, brought Estra out of her reverie and to her feet. She turned to see a man, another member of the guild, watching her from a slight distance. He too wore a white stole over his shoulders, though it had the added distinction of pale blue trim, a higher rank Estra knew though not the highest. Lady Dacaraval he said by way of greeting. His voice was light, his Valarin precise, his figure slim.
Speaker 4 00:33:30
He was of indeterminate age, his hair showing a hint of grey, though his face was yet smooth. "You have the advantage, sir," I do not know your name." Esca's tone was polite, just. She had no desire to engage with the guild further. "I am Lorenzi Orzoa," he said, Bowing slightly, but offering no further indication of his rank or status in the guild. "You seem to have a habit of causing quite a stir at the guild." "I will not refute that." A slight smile curved Orzoa's lips. He gestured to the bench opposite Esca. "May I? " " I ' m afraid I have no further time for men who will not accept a woman as a peer." "If I were one of those," Lady de Caravelle would I have followed you here? I think it more likely I would mutter something about good riddance and." I'd be glad to see the back of you. A valid point. What do you want then? She did not suggest he sit. I am expected back at the royal residence. Lorenzi Orsowa sat anyway. After a moment, Estra followed suit. I was there when you challenged Larotza, Orsowa said, his voice smooth. His face did not reveal what his opinion of the incident might be. It was-he hesitated to allow himself another small smile, Estra understood-not because he needed to consider his words.-It was magnificent! This was pleasing of course, but Estra was not ready to unfurl her irritation.-I merely engaged in necessary discourse.Anyone who has studied a bit about the Myonians could have done it.-That may be.
Speaker 4 00:34:29
But Master Arwosa is not often challenged. We are another hesitation, this one not like the last, strong in our traditions. And I find my fellows have, even in just the twenty years since my induction, become somewhat reluctant to step beyond the bounds of what they know. The guild is stagnant. The scholar's face showed a hint of unease. There are those within the walls in both this chapter and in chapters across Andera, who would have me removed if they knew of this conversation. You have my sympathy, Master Ozuwa," Eska said. " B ut I have not sought out these admissions from you. ; you have offered them freely." Ozuwa gave a gesture of acceptance, his palms opening to the sky as he nodded: "As you say." What do you wish of me?" Master Ozuwa," Eska asked Still wary, the scholar returned his hands to his lap and smiled. "It's a selfish errand," he began, his voice soft. "I wish to plead for your good opinion. While, you are aware of and have been subjected to the most conservative elements of our guild, There is a faction, not large, but strong that seeks to make change within our ranks and our ways." "Am I to congratulate you?" It was perhaps an unkind thing to say. Ouzoue took it well enough. "Not at all. You are of Velara; you have the support of the great Lordican." The changes we seek will seem insignificant to you, Though I would argue if we were arguing that incremental change can spark a revolution."
Speaker 4 00:35:27
But I am proud of what we are working toward, And I hope the guild I leave behind to be one worthy of respect on all sides of the Anerian Sea. An admirable purpose, Master Orzuwa. Esfet's attention drifted to the item in her satchel. Perhaps her purpose could be restored. And now I come to the crux of my reasons for following you. The scholar clasped one hand in the other in his lap, the first sign of nerves. There will be a gathering of certain guild members this night at my home. The guests are all like-minded. Another small smile, this one inviting Esfet to share a secret. Then Orzuwa's face grew even once more, And there was a new formality in his voice when he spoke again, : We would be honored. If you would be our guest. Even if it went awry, surely it could be no worse than another evening with Prince Francisco. Will I be allowed to speak freely, sir? Orzuwa bowed and he laughed. I assure you, Lady de Caravelle, my friends and I desire nothing less. Then I would be delighted, Master Orzuwa. Esca stood. Orzuwa mirrored her. I will make my excuses to the prince. The scholar bowed again. I will send a litter to collect you. Oh no, Master Orzuwa! I have had my fill of litters! I would much prefer to walk! Orzuwa smiled, then i will send a servant to guide you. Esca nodded her thanks and made to exit the gardens when an urgent thought brought her to a halt master orzuwa, she said, turning back.
Speaker 4 00:36:25
I know Enderran tradition often restricts the consumption of wine or spirits when a gathering extends beyond family members. Please tell me that won't be the case this evening. The scholar laughed, delicately but with enthusiasm. You need not fear on that account, my lady. And I said, no, that's the Artemius principle! The lantern - studded courtyard erupted with laughter around Eshka as the cluster of inebriated -. This was the key really scholars congratulated each other on the outrageous, truly atrocious joke that had just been told. Eshka smiled, Taking delight in watching the guild members, relax the standards of propriety. They were so accustomed to upholding. Despite Master Orzo's happy belief that a gathering was of like minds who would not balk at a woman's presence, the garden had grown quiet upon her entrance. Gentlemanly shyness, Orzo had whispered to her, as a means of reassurance. Many of the scholars present were confirmed bachelors it seemed, dedicated to their work. While those who had sought marriage were not often social with women who were not their wives. But the quiet had evaporated, not long after the first glasses of wine were emptied. Strange how that happens sometimes. And Estra had soon found herself fielding questions from the curious scholars. Most asked about the Seven Cities, thirsty for information on a culture and history they had only read about. But two were familiar with some of Estra's work. 
Speaker 4 00:37:21
In particular, her writings on the customs of the ancient tribes of the Vienese Plateau. At length, the academic subjects gave way to less erudite conversation and very bad jokes. I hope you find their company pleasing, my lady. Master Osar appeared at Esker's elbow. I will apologize in advance for anything untowardly ribald. Esker laughed. My dear Master Osar, your friends are delightful, but they are also very tame. The scholar flushed a little. I am afraid they would be severely outmatched at most Bellaran gatherings with this much wine on hand. The flush began to slide into a worried frown and Esker hastily continued : I mean only that I am not easily offended and have witnessed a great many things." She patted the scholar's arm, Master Ozu laughed, plainly relieved. And the wine acceptable? You have excellent taste, sir," Esku said. She clinked the scholar's glass with her own and took a sip.
Speaker 5 00:38:00
Fabio said to you, Victor and two others: I'll see you tonight, but we'll skip tennis as I am not one hundred percent with a cold. If anyone needs a ride, let me know.
Speaker 4 00:38:12
Tell me:. What is the traditional Enderran method of gaining the attention of a less than sober crowd? And. So it was that Esku found herself standing on the edge of a fountain, glass raised overhead, surrounded by scholarly men. As she conducted an off-key rendition of an old Anderran folk song, to which she knew neither the words nor the tune. But when the melody swelled to its final conclusion and the voices faded away, Esca was left with a rapt, silent audience beneath the stars. Gentlemen, esteemed members of the Supreme Guild of Scholars and Scribes, and I hope from this night onward my friends," Esca began using the Anderran word for friends. She had not brushed up on her useful Anderran phrases prior to crossing the sea ;. There had been no time. But this word at least she could employ to some effect. This was met with polite cheering and hearty applause. "I consider myself fortunate to be among your company this night." As many of you are aware. 
Speaker 4 00:38:49
My time here in Angara is but a preamble to a longer journey to the interior of Sangalese. And while your prince vexes me with his delays, Esca smiled. It occurs to me that perhaps I owe him thanks, reluctantly given I assure you. Here the assembled scholars laughed their appreciation. And yet were he not set on irritating me, I would not be here tonight. Esca glanced from face to face, her own growing more serious. I would not have the privilege of knowing the resistance that exists in Angaran society. I would not know the minds and faces of the men who recognize that the traditions of their elders, while they are to be respected, are not meant to dictate the lives of people generations removed from their origin. A few voices murmured their agreement. Estra caught sight of Master Urzoward at the back of the crowd. He wasn't watching her. Instead, his gaze roamed among his compatriots, and what he saw there suffused his face with pride." May I tell you a secret, gentlemen?" Estra went on." This will be shocking to you." She dropped her voice to a false whisper." I am not known for my patience." Laughter again. Estra grinned." Oh, To be sure when I have an interesting text in front of me or an artifact fresh from the ground, I have all the patience in the world and my attention is undivided." But away from my work, I have been known to ruffle fe-. 
Speaker 5 00:39:46
Benwell said translated. 
Speaker 4 00:39:49
Okay. In other words, I would not have the forbearance to wage this silent slow war in which you are embroiled. Despite that, or perhaps because of it, you have my respect and admiration. Master Osawa has told me a little of the cracks you have established, Cracks that will spread and open the minds of your people and of your hopes for the future. And you have my support. The scholars cheered and a few called for more wine, but Estra held up her hand to quiet them. Her stomach pulsed with her heartbeat at the thought of what came next. I think there comes a time in every academic's life and career when she or he questions the purpose of the work, indeed even his or her own purpose by some of your faces, I can tell you, there are those in this room who feel the truth of that statement. If you do not, consider yourself lucky, though I think your time will come. Let that not be the dire warning it sounds. Let it instead be a reminder that change within the self, much like the change you seek to enact in Andera, is vital. And while we all love our work, Sometimes I think we love it, too fiercely. And this blinds us to what lies beyond the books and the objects that speak to us from history. She hadn't planned this speech; hadn't thought to imbue this moment with self-reflection. Indeed, These words drifting on the night air in a courtyard in Andera were not even words. She had voiced within herself—not when the first glimmering nebulous notion of this moment had manifested within her mind.
Speaker 4 00:40:46
Not when she lay awake at night on the oronex, as the ship rose and fell with the rhythms of the sea. And yet every word seemed to chime with certainty, like a bell tolling truth. Since my uncle founded Florentia company thirty years ago, It has contributed more to the study of the history and peoples of Valara and many lands beyond than any other entity. I do not say this to boast. I state it as fact. And I am proud of these contributions. Our excavations have allowed for the development of knowledge scholars a generation ago could only speculate over through our resources, which are extensive, And through a combination of good fortune and perseverance, Florentia has thrived and will continue to do so, and as a result We will continue to influence and drive academic progress. Eshka took a breath, her gaze fell on Master Orswell once more. The scholar's face had gone quiet, but Eshka thought she saw him give her the slightest nod of encouragement, understanding and something Eshka could not quite grasp. And yet recently, I have come to look beyond that work, or perhaps I am looking directly at it, still only from a different perspective. I am not sure which. In Eshka's mind, she was in Torrivium once more in the Hall of the Lions, and a woman named Parecio was kneeling before the empty throne of the Vis March of that city as she had for three decades of her life. The seven cities are home to a great many treasures. 
Speaker 4 00:41:42
Some were in private homes and collections, some displayed in the halls of rulers and powerful families. My own home is one of these. My company is responsible for the growth of many of these collections, and I am sure many prominent land barons, perhaps some of you, And certainly, your prince, most of all possess things that were born on the different skies. For the habit of giving new homes to things from far off places is not a new one. The wealthy have been trading in these things for centuries, following the ebb and flow of empires and commerce and war. Bescal signaled to the servant waiting in the darkness at the side of the courtyard. He rushed forward, her satchel in hand. The worn leather was at odds.
Speaker 5 00:42:10
Victor liked Fabio's message. 
Speaker 4 00:42:13
Her blue gown, But the familiar weight and that broken clasp, she really needed to have fixed brought a sense of calm to her mind. Taking her eyes from the gathered scholars for the first time, Bleska opened a small compartment and reached inside. Her hand found the item easily, then she withdrew it and held it aloft. The scholars shuffled closer as one, each man trying to get a better glimpse. Has anyone know what this is? Bleska asked. Ouzou knew; she could see it in his smile, but he made no move to speak. It is a bank of inkseeker! The voice quiet and with more than a little reverence belongs to one of the oldest scholars present. He stepped through the crowd, Which parted to allow him to approach where Estra perched on the rim of the fountain. One hand strayed to his long gray beard as he stared at the wide band of gold. Estra held between her thumb and finger. "It is," Estra said. "I have studied them all my life." The man said, his voice hardly more than a whisper now. "I was fascinated with them as a boy, Not least because none have been seen within the borders of Vandera in more than one hundred years." His gaze drifted from the gold bracelet to Estra's face, and she saw that his eyes shone with tears. "We know them only from scrolls and drawings." Estra smiled and stepped down from the fountain. She held out the ancient Vandaran artifact. "Take it."
Speaker 4 00:43:09
She whispered, "It should never have been mine." The old scholar hesitated. Heska took his hand with her free one and, her eyes fixed on his, pressed the bracelet into his palm. For a moment, there was only the old man's joy, and Heska felt her own eyes grow hot with tears as she watched him stare in wonder, his thumb caressing the intricate forms carved in the gold. But then she took a breath and addressed the scholars once more: "Friends, my uncle gave me this band of inksekai when I was a girl. He had no knowledge of its name or origin or meaning. He bought it from a collector in Sorrento and thought it pretty. When I was older, I researched it at the Lordikon and came to understand that I had been given a holy relic." That was priceless to the earliest ancestors of Vandera, and I had been given it to wear as a trinket. Estra raised her voice. Who am I to possess such a thing? What gave my uncle the right to determine its value? How many beautiful things have been ripped from their homes that gave them meaning, from the cultures that cherish them, taken by the powerful from those they deem inferior and weak, all for the sake of displaying behind glass for others to admire and covet? It was a question without answer. The courtyard was quiet but for the song of a lone cricket. And then Master Ozwa spoke. Lady Dacaraval, you do us a great kindness. This is not kindness, Master Ozwa," Estra said shaking her head.
Speaker 4 00:44:07
I merely seek to right a wrong. And yet, Countless others would not have found the courage to stand before us and do what you have done. Countless others would not have seen the wrong you strive to right. I consider myself fair-minded, but I do not know what I would have done in your stead. You have taught us an important lesson. Other scholars joined in, murmuring praise and thanks. Eshka bowed her head in acceptance, Though she felt an awkward clumsiness and sought out wine to refill her glass as the members of the guild passed the band of inkseeker among themselves, Their conversation swelled around her, and she took the opportunity to slip from the crowd. There on the edge of the light, Orzuwa found her. Eshka wrapped her arms about herself Suddenly aware of the night's chill, you have made them very happy," Orzo said. "Particularly Master Elazar. She had, she could see that. Then, she felt her own relief at their happiness and at having the thing done, a lightness in her chest. And yet there was something else there, something shadowing over the scene before her. The god forged, she supposed; she was nearly sure she had begun to dream in bronze." I am glad the guild refused me entry today," she said. "If they had not, your master Arocsa would have been the one to receive the band." Not that," she added hastily, "I expect you to keep this a secret from him." Master Orzo smiled: "In that you are correct."
Speaker 4 00:45:05
And while Master Arozza might not appreciate dissenting opinions, he does appreciate and take pride in Anderan history. He will be very pleased that the guild has recovered one of these priceless relics. We had long supposed them all to be destroyed, Or at least flung so far from Andera as to be forever out of our reach. What will you tell him? How it came into our possession? Estra nodded. Orazo sighed, a graceful thing that seemed to slide off his slender shoulders. "I am tempted to tell him the truth," he said, a hint of a grin cracking the smooth composure he wore so well. There would be a tirade, of course, and then silent indignation. But. Eventually, he would be too pleased by the notion that he would be the one to present the bandit to Prince Francisco. And, thereby guaranteeing his place in the history of your guild for years to come. There was something of a condemnation, of course, and Osoar would hear it as such. But Esca said it with a smile. And what will be your place in that history, Master Osoar? What will young scholars learn of you long after you? And I are both dust? To Esca's surprise, the question seemed to fluster the scholar. His cheeks flushed slightly, and he looked away on pretence of gesturing for a servant to bring more wine. But, there was no mistaking the fear lurking behind his eyes when he returned his attention to Esca. That I made you uncomfortable, Master Osoar? If so, I beg your pardon. I am a poor guest, I fear. Whatever ease of conversation the master had previously displayed. 
Speaker 4 00:46:03
He now seemed entirely without words. Indeed, without the poise Esku had begun to consider to be his chief characteristic. A more considerate guest might have changed the subject, made a joke, accidentally spilled some wine to spare the poor man whatever consternation she had caused. Esku didn't think of this. But there were three Arconian governesses, who would claim that Esku had never let anyone off the hook ever. At last Master Orsor seemed to recover his wits, at least in part. He straightened the cuffs of his elegant robe, already straight and cleared his throat. Lady D'Caravelle, will you follow me please? Decidedly unexpected. For a moment Esku wondered if the man was about to profess his attraction He was certainly nervous enough for that, but this was frankly absurd. And in the end, Master Osuwa confessed something altogether more outrageous, scandalous one might even say. Lorenzi Osuwa led Esca from the courtyard through a small tidy study, Down a short hall lined with family portraits done in the late Rizzoli style, and Bera had adopted with unbridled enthusiasm, the generation before and into a larger library. He stopped beneath their family crest, painted on a whitewashed wall, his face framed by a pair of winged lions and pointed Esca toward the nearest bookshelf, apparently unwilling or unable to go any farther himself. The one with the red stripe down the spine he said. 
Speaker 4 00:47:02
Pointing, Esku took the heavy leather - bound book from the shelf and held it before her as she faced. Orzuwa and awaited further instruction. Just inside the front cover, Orzuwa said. His breath had quickened, Esku saw, and there was a paleness to his cheeks that was decidedly unnatural. She made no move to open the tome. Sir, are you unwell? Perhaps you had better sit down. I fear you may fall faint. Orzuwa shook his head, lips pressed tightly together. That is unnecessary, Please, he gestured again, frowning. Esku turned her attention to the book and opened it, The family tree, dating back some four hundred years, snaked its way across the page. The great ancestor of Orzuwa was, it seemed, a man named San Tutsko. A tiny banner had been drawn next to his name, likely to indicate the grant of lands and a title of some form, or at least the right to adopt a family crest. The next page, Orzuwa said, still pale, still rigid as a statue. Bottom left. Eeska turned the page. Ah! She said, I have found you! She smiled hoping to put the man at ease. Indeed! The smile returned but there was nothing easy about it. Now do you see that slim volume up there? He pointed to the top shelf. The dark blue leather? Orzuwa swallowed That will be of some interest. 
Speaker 4 00:47:59
Part of Estra was utterly delighted. After all, clearly some great secret was at work here, But she could not help but wonder if she ought to do as the man said, or if she ought to make some excuse. The delight won. Stretching up on her toes, Estra could just reach the indicated book. She pulled it down and much like the other held it before her. There is a paper folded somewhere between the pages, Orsoa said, his distress lending strain to his voice. And there was Estra found it quickly and plucked the parchment free. Her gaze never leaving Orsoa's face, She set the blue book down and held out the parchment open it master Orsoa Estra said please. Estra gave a nod, then unfolded the paper It was a formal document. Bearing the royal seal and several scrawled signatures, and it was entirely in unbarren of course. This was not lost on Master Orzuwa, despite his altered state. It is a document of birth. You will see perhaps about two-thirds of the way down the page, there is a place where a different hand has filled in a name. I see it, Estra said. The ink was more brown than black, And the letters did not match the elegant script of the scribe who had penned up the document. Master Orzuwa hesitated, and Estra had the distinct impression she was meant to have experienced an epiphany. And then oh! That was all-a single exhaled breath in the shape of a word of surprise. Estra looked up. 
Speaker 4 00:48:58
Saw the scholar's face twist with anxiety and relief. She felt her own heart pound in her chest. Lorenzia, Estra said, you are Lorenzia, not Lorenci. Master Orzuwa, Master Lorenzia Orzuwa sagged against the wall that bore her family's crest. She closed her eyes and nodded, more to herself Estra thought. Estra folded the parchment and returned it to the book. By the time she had replaced the book on the shelf, the scholar had moved to a chair. Though she seemed reluctant to look Estra in the eye, She gestured for Estra to sit opposite her, just as they had sat in the garden that afternoon. It suddenly felt like a very long time ago. She waited for the woman to speak Waiting went against her nature, But even Estra understood when a story must be released without the incursion of questions. As you are surely aware, the woman began. Children in Anthera are kept within the walls of the home for the first three years of life. My father died when I was about two years of age. Each word seemed to calm her nerves, and her tone began to take on the feel of a lecturer, giving a lesson to students. My mother made the decision for me four days after my father's death, a decision that would alter the course of my life. We had no other family in the house and my aunts and uncles and other relatives, few as they are, had not visited Roxanos since my birth. The servants my mother did not trust were sent away. 
Speaker 4 00:49:57
Those who had been loyal to her for many years remained. And from that day on, I was brought up as a boy. A courageous choice, Osawa nodded. Yes, I do not deny this. My mother wanted to give me the chance at a life beyond the traditions of womanhood in this country. I was her only child. One of my earliest memories of her was discovering that she was trying to teach herself mathematic principles in secret. She had dreams, I began to understand, though little real hope of realizing them. There was something left unsaid. Esku ventured to guess at it: That it was never your choice? Lorenzia Osawa was quiet for a long moment, her face as still as a pond on Troubled by the breeze, but the silence spoke of internal debate, one held over many years. I would not change it. I do not wish you to think that of me. My mother's choice set me on the path to indulge my every curiosity, which eventually turned me to the doors of the guild. And I was welcomed through those doors because I was Lorenzi. But and here Lorenzi's gaze sharpened as she looked at Esga. It has also meant years of secrets, of hiding, of keeping the world at bay lest anyone get too close. The scholar's face twisted with bitterness. And Aera does not have a history of looking kindly on women who have dared to subvert the ideals men have constructed for us.
Speaker 4 00:50:54
It would not go well for me, if I were discovered. Esca nodded. She knew the story of Otzana of Fersanot, for the crime of running her husband's business after his death, and far more successfully than dear departed Matcina had ever managed, She was beaten and exiled to a remote retreat for women who sought a holy existence. Esca, just twelve years old at the time, had been horrified when the news spread to Arkhonia. The horror quickly subsumed by shame as Esca, understood for the first time that the freedom she'd known all her life was denied in so many places beyond Valara's borders. Shame and a strange debt of gratitude to the Aleskuan dynasty. For it was the queens among them who had instilled Forcefully and with tremendous cruelty, the notion that women were the equals of men. Amid the terror and the bloodshed and the fear, this was the single stroke of good in their legacy. Why tell me? Estra asked. Why take that risk? Lorenzia smiled. Because I have seen you take two risks within the span of mere hours. If this is a mark of how you live your life, if even half of what I have heard of you is true, then I wanted to know what that felt like, if only for a moment. The smile faded. Everything I do is safe. Every choice I make is calculated to preserve my secret. It is exhausting. It is a life I would not wish on another Imagine then she said. 
Speaker 4 00:51:54
Her voice going soft, My joy at seeing you embrace the freedoms you were born into and making the most of them. If you will pardon a bit of melodrama, Imagine standing close enough to the brightest star in the sky and indulging for just a moment, the foolish notion that some of that star's radiance could be yours. Come to Arconia. The outburst surprised even Esca, Though the vigor behind her words was perhaps a means of combating the knot in her throat. Leave these chains behind. You would be welcome in Dolodigan, Lorenci would be welcome, not just Lorenci. For a moment, the glimmer of longing was there in Master Ozuwa's eyes. A silence teetered between them and then Resignation darkened the woman's gaze. "What would become of my friends?" Lorenzi tried to laugh, but the attempt was unconvincing, and they both knew it. She took a deep breath. "They may not know my secret, and perhaps there is one or two who, out of fear, would turn on me if they were to discover it. But they need me. They are good men dedicated to change." "You are generous and kind, Lady de Caraval," but if I am to have any legacy at all, let it be that I have done some good for my country." And I cannot do that from across the sea. Even if no one knows the architect of this change is a woman," Master Orso nodded. There was no false bravery in that nod; no stoic sense of sacrifice. 
Speaker 4 00:52:53
But there was resolve. "Even so," she said. Estra returned the nod. "I should like to correspond with you, if this is acceptable." Lorenzia smiled again, this one full and genuine. "I would be delighted." After all, How else will I hear about the other artifacts you intend to see returned to their homes? You know of my intentions?" The scholar shrugged. "You have confirmed my suspicion just now. " But, your words in the courtyard tonight were not the words of someone acting on a fleeting whim. They were words from your core, even if you yourself were unaware of their existence. " Master Osawad it seemed had inferred a great deal more from Estra's speech than she had thought possible. It is true I have a number of things. I hope to restore to the lands in which they were created, lands between here and Sandeleast. Master Osawen nodded. It is a noble effort, but not all will be as easy, I think, as your band of Inkseeker. You know this? I hope. Estra frowned. What do you mean? Lorenzia spread her hands in her lap. Only that there may be some who will resent you for your actions. They will think you see yourself as their foreign benefactor, admiring your own benevolence, especially if they are less prosperous than your seven cities. It will be a strange mirror image of the very forces that separated them from the item in the first place. -, your people or someone very like you had the power to take.
Speaker 4 00:53:52
And now you will show them that you have the power to return. To you there is a crucial difference between the two, but to them it will be a display of power. The sense of the scholar's words were irrefutable, So much so in fact that Eeska could not quite fathom how her own mind, usually a vault of logic, had not managed to come to them. Perhaps, A very small and rather sly voice in Eeska's head suggested she had been too busy admiring her own benevolence. Not outright no. Eeska had no intention of seeking acclaim for what she intended to do, and she certainly did not feel herself to be in a position of superiority. But there in the library of a woman pretending to be a man in order to claim even the most tenuous grip on power. Eskar understood her view of the world was perhaps far narrower than she had ever imagined. To say this realization was somewhat jarring would be an understatement. Fortunately, Master Orzuwa seemed to sense this. She stood, knelt before Eskar's chair, and forced Eskar to look her in the eye. No self-pity, not from you, Lady Dacaraval. The instructions were given with more force in Orzuwa's voice than Eskar had yet heard and more familiarity despite the use of Eskar's formal title. Yes, You have power beyond even that of which you are aware, but you also have a good heart. And the mind to understand something of that power. And when you understand it, you will know how best to use it.
Speaker 4 00:54:51
Esca gave a slow nod. "I hope you are right." Orzuwa got to her feet in a single brisk motion. "I know I am," she said, simply. They rejoined the party in the courtyard. After all, the host and the guest of honor could not vanish for overly long. But if the guest of honor was more subdued than before, if she smiled and spoke less, very likely the scholars were too deep in wine to notice. And when Esca slipped from the house of Lorenzia Orzuwa to walk the moon - kissed streets of Roxanos, Though she saw the pale light and shadows and way that blue roofs became one with night sky, she could think of nothing but way that stars, in that peculiar way they have vanished The moment she tried to look in their cold blue hearts, leaving nothing but empty voids glaring back at her. Chapter seven. The seven must always be seven. Surely he won't indulge Valenzuela's grievances? Sacha paused mid stride and turned to look at the man off his right shoulder. You have met our commendatore, haven't you? He asked. His companion rolled his eyes. Sacha resumed walking. One did not keep the archduke waiting if one could help it. I just mean that you might as well ask which came first, ice or water? Speculating is fairly useless where our archduke is concerned, si? He does, as he pleases and I've learned not to waste my energy, trying to predict his choices.
Speaker 4 00:55:49
Cyrus de Marchassot, Celestial Knight of Valara, Commander Superior of the Orlando Battalion, and Sasha's oldest friend, hurried to catch up. The enigma that is Valexioc Toros de Vocalamparo aside, Adrian Valenzuela is nothing more than a thug sporting a bit of polish. The Archduke knows this. And yet, that thug has his ear. Sasha sighed and slowed down, Trying to take the edges off his temper or at least trim the frayed bits. Cyrus did not deserve the consequences of Sasha's poor sleep. He had dreamed and woke again and again - always of Esca de Caravelle. It was not a new dream ;. It had haunted him night after night in the days following Esca's rejection. The circumstances changed Sometimes they were in the rich halls of the Varidome, sometimes they stood on a cliff overlooking the sea. But no matter the place, each and every time Sasha called her name, she returned to look at him, and each and every time she would flee. He had thought two years might be enough to banish it for good. There is also, Cyrus said, the fact that you made a very good gentleman's jaw. The censure on Cyrus's face cracked almost immediately. Sasha nodded solemnly. This is true. A very good dent he let himself smile as Cyrus burst into laughter. Ah I dearly would like to have seen it I've been longing to put the Griffins in their place since the Archduke pinned that ridiculous thing on Valenzuela's chest.
Speaker 4 00:56:47
Cyrus half turned as they continued walking, and he jabbed a finger into Sasha's shoulder. "I despised them first, Sasha. Don't forget that." Sasha laughed. "I humbly acknowledge that glory is entirely yours." The doors to the Hall of Mirrors loomed ahead of them, and Sasha came to a halt once more. "Are you sure you want to be in there, sire? " Whatever levity he had allowed into his voice a moment before was quickly cast off. "If it goes well for me, Hadrian Valenzuela will be reminded that to hate one of us is to hate both of us. And if it goes badly for me, better that the Archduke doesn't have an excuse to condemn you as well." "Very gallant of you," Sasha said, offering a little bow. He turned serious. But, you seem to have forgotten that we have watched each other's backs for years. I will do so again today. I could give you an order. Cyrus de Marcha so laughed and walked onward. You could, he called out, but you won't. And so it was that Sasha entered the hall of mirrors with a smile, if not on his face, in his heart. It didn't last long. Hadrian Valenzuela was there and he was glowering, But then this was as far as Sasha was concerned, the only expression of which the muscles in his face were capable. Unexpectedly also present were the other three battalion commanders, meaning the entire senior leadership of Archonia's military were standing reflected many times over in the hall of mirrors.
Speaker 4 00:57:43
With the additional presence of a few top government officials, this was a most uncommon gathering. No doubt the surprise was part of the plan. Sasha glanced at the Archduke, who had seemingly been engaged in pleasant conversation with Valenzuela, a pretense for Sasha's benefit he was sure. There was little to distinguish him from the encounter of the morning, But as the Archduke turned and moved toward the center of the hall upon Sasha's entrance, Amira gave away a smile intended for no one, a smile that set the hairs on the back of Sasha's neck to standing. Suddenly alert, Sasha attempted to gain enough Cyrus' attention to signal well to signal, what exactly he didn't know. He knew only that this was no ordinary afternoon but Cyrus And Vidial gregarious Cyrus was busy shaking hands. Belatedly as the Archduke began to speak words of welcome, Sasha realized that the other three battalion commanders had certainly been summoned, but that Cyrus had gotten no indication of a summons. Either his oldest friend had withheld this fact or something else entirely was at work, and Sasha would have staked his life against the former being true. Before we can turn to the matter of the day, the Archduke was saying, there is another minor thing that regrettably must be addressed. His gaze turned to Sasha. In the matter of your offense against one Ivoro Eriquaar, I have conferred with Commander Valenzuela and we have reached a suitable agreement.
Speaker 4 00:58:41
Am I to have no say in this agreement, Commandatore? You are not, Arch-Commander, the Archduke said, his voice smooth and easy. But I thank you for bringing Commander Superior de Marcha So here with you today. This will save me the effort of seeking him out. Sasha's heart dropped somewhere into the vicinity of his stomach or perhaps right out of his body entirely. A trickle of sweat inched its way down his spine. I fail to see what Commander Superior de Marcha So has to do with all of this, he said, keeping his eyes fixed on the Archduke. Oh, it's a roundabout sort of thing. Valaxi Arturosifoklar Pro said waving one hand in a circular sort of manner. You see Commander Valensweiler required your dismissal which was not agreeable to me As you might imagine. And yet this was said in a way that suggested it could be made agreeable, if Sasha took on this step. The Archduke looked around at the gathered faces. After all, Arch-Commander Dominaut is a hero. Murmurs of agreement, sincere though Sasha was sure he could hear derision in the Archduke's voice. The guardian of Verdiennes, a celestial knight that he has never failed Darconia or our seven cities. He looked back at Sasha. However, we cannot let the injury to this loyal griffin go unmarked. And so we have reached a compromise From. The corner of his vision. Sasha could see Valens Rilla's grimace twist into a satisfied smirk.
Speaker 4 00:59:40
More sweat beaded on his spine. The Archduke's gaze slid to Cyrus. Dear Cyrus, who didn't yet see what was happening. Cyrus de Marchaseau, Celestial Knight of Ballara, Lord de Marchaseau, the Archduke intoned. You are hereby stripped of your command of Orlando Battalion, relieved of all duties and discharged from your oath of office. One hand gestured toward the doors. You are dismissed. The silence was really quite remarkable. Sasha sought his friend's gaze from across the narrow hall. There was hurt there, the beginnings of anger, but Cyrus de Marchaseau was a proud man with head held high, his shoulders straight he began to make the desired exit His boots ringing out on the silver floor. "Commendatore," Sasha said. The boots went quiet. "I beg you to reconsider." Sasha kept his voice tight, desperate not to show how deep this compromise cut. Not that the Archduke didn't already know. That was precisely why he had forged that particular knife. "No," Valerio Torostoboklan Proa said, and with that, he turned and began to speak to one of his trade ministers, leaving Sasha treading air in the middle of the hall. It seemed every face reflected back at him belonged to Cyrus shifting his stance, He found the true Cyrus His friend gave a nod, and then he was gone. The door was closing with a thud Sasha felt in his chest The Archduke straightened and looked around once more.
Speaker 4 01:00:39
Ah, he said brightly, as though greeting them all for the first time. Let us begin, shall we? He paced to the back of the hall and pushed against a mirror's frame. It swung open and the archduke stepped to the side. With an expansive gesture, He ushered them through to the chamber beyond, and each took up a position behind a chair, situated around an obsidian block fashioned into an oval table. Sasha moved to his and sat when he was bidden to do so, vaguely aware of the absence of Maximilian de Caravel, vice chancellor and second in power in Arconia only to the archduke. A curious thing worthy of his attention, but his mind was numb to the words that followed that is until he said, We have I am afraid. Reached the end of an age. For nearly six hundred years, our seven cities have lived in harmony with one another. We have prospered together, fought together, died together. The Archduke's voice was solemn and strong, resonating off the wooden walls of the chamber. We survived the Eleskunus together and emerged stronger than ever, strong in kinship, Strong in the face of enemies who wanted to take advantage of the death of the last Eleskun king. The Archduke looked down, his hands clasped before him; the image of dignified restrained grief. Satchel was not fooled ;, though a small part of him knew he saw through the illusion only because he was still raw with anger. It fills me with sorrow to tell you this: to break your faith.
Speaker 4 01:01:37
In what we all cherish and serve. Another pause. Lichenza conspires against us. Around Sasha, Sharp inhales and quiet murmurs told of the consternation of those seated at the obsidian table. Sasha watched the Archduke still. The Archduke gestured to the woman opposite Sasha, On my orders, Minister Duller has for the past year conducted an extensive study of Lichenza and my brother in rule, the Principate. While I acted merely on suspicion of trade infractions, Minister Duller's investigation has revealed proof of far more insidious activities. In short, though I will of course offer the full report to any who wish, the Principate plans to destroy the Seven Cities from within He will move on Vionissi before the year is over. Valexi Arcturos de Vocalan Pro looked around the table, taking a moment to look each man and woman in the eye. He lingered on Sasha last, And there was nothing of the game from the Hall of Mirrors in his eyes. I do not mean to let Koranos Archios Ashvili break these alliances, this union! The Archduke thundered. The Seven must always be seven! He waited a moment, waited for those words to settle in the hearts of those who listened, and then swept his chair away from the table and sat. Minister Duler, Please share what you've learned of Lichensu's preparations for war against our brothers and sisters in Vionissi. The tiny woman across from Sasha gave a nod.
Speaker 4 01:02:36
The grey hair twisted into a jeweled cage at the crown of her head, did not budge. A packet of papers lay before her, white against the obsidian, but she did not so much as touch them as she began to speak. The Princep of Lytchensar citing concerns regarding raiders plaguing his coastline, began expanding his defensive forces over a year ago. Everyone in this room is aware of that. We supported the measure and raised no objections to it. I have since learned, however, that the Princep has gone beyond the limits, limits proposed and ratified by all seven cities of this expansion. In addition to amassing new soldiers from his own lands, he has also, we only recently became aware signed a contract with the Eborian mercenary captain Ramses Tutkhamun. While, we do not know the specifics of the forces Tutkhamun has promised to bring to the field, We do know he intends to join with the Princep's soldiers prior to entering Vienisian territory. The Princep has begun to claim to his inner circle that Vienisia is behind the raids on his post, though this justification for his actions is of course unfounded. Sasha glanced at the three battalion commanders present. The name of Ramses Tutkhamun was well known in military circles throughout the Seven Cities, Though Sasha doubted many others seated around the table would know the difference between the Ereborian captain and any other mercenary who roamed the world in search of gold and glory. Tutkhamun was not most revered, and he had done most of his fighting well to south of Ballara, but he was said to be resilient and bold.
Speaker 4 01:03:32
It was also not inexpensive. Took a month's fee, Sasha said, earning himself a slight frown from Minister Duleir. He ignored it. There was no more time for petty grievances. How did Li Chenzong pay it? Duleir cleared her throat. The circumstances are unclear. We suspect, given there has been no noticeable deficit anywhere else, that it has only been paid in part, with the rest promised upon victory. Sasha nodded. This was not unexpected, nor was it unusual, But it did offer some perspective on paid mercenaries are susceptible. He said, Are, you suggesting we bribe them away from Li Chenzong? The speaker seated three chairs to Sasha's right leaned out over the table so he could sneer properly at Sasha Yes Minister Coralic. Sasha said, somewhat impressed with his own composure, "That'll determine some other means of luring them away. The princhipal's new forces will be only lightly trained. Take away Tucamom and you take away his most dangerous teeth." The sneer grew. "You would have us consort with such low creatures? Plead with them?" Corelli scoffed. "I did not say plead, Minister," Sasha said through gritted teeth. Still, Corelli persisted, Though whose back he was attempting to scratch with this particular performance, was lost on Sasha. "Are you afraid of taking on this Tucamom in battle? Do you not have faith in our Konyan swords and shields?" Sasha glanced farther up the table to where the Archduke sat. He seems to be enjoying the exchange.
Speaker 4 01:04:31
Though his face, as ever, gave little away. I have every faith in my soldiers, Minister. But my first duty is to preserve their lives, Not send them to die needlessly against an enemy. We might turn away by other means. Sasha's equanimity was rewarded with a few murmurs of agreement. Corelli's sneer melted into a grimace and at last the Archduke intervened. Minister, perhaps we might focus on other things? The Archduke looked back at Sasha. Arch-Commander, I would like your recommendations on my desk tomorrow. It was not as simple as that. Sasha could recommend a dozen courses of action without needing to think. Commandatore he said what is your desired outcome of this engagement? The Archduke cocked his head As though Sasha were speaking another language, he let out a little laugh, which brought out nervous smiles on several faces around the table. Why, Arch-Commander? It is as I have said, and as any true Balaran would wish. I want to preserve the Seven Cities. Indeed, it is the only acceptable outcome. Many faces around the table nodded in approval and acceptance, All save Minister Dulea who looked as though she had never approved or accepted of anything in her life. It seemed only Sasha found these words lacking in substance, and only Sasha wondered what might be lurking behind their dutiful facade. The Archduke was not one for insubstantial words. Sasha kept his gaze level then gave a nod like all the rest.
Speaker 4 01:05:29
You will have my recommendations first thing in the morning. The Archduke rose from his chair. Those seated around the table did the same, and in small groups, heads bent together in discussion, they removed themselves from the chamber. After requiring that the battalion commanders convene after the evening meal, Sasha waited until only the Archduke remained. "Aleksandro," there will be no talk of my decision regarding de Marcheau," The Archduke said as he strode across the room. "This has nothing to do with de Marcheau." Sasha said. The Archduke came to a halt, his gaze travelling from Sasha's face down to his boots and back again. "Speak then." Nothing to do with de Marcheau? No, but in the pantheon of decisions Sasha might make in that moment. This one did not perhaps occupy a place of wisdom, And yet, he was resolved to ask one of the questions that had taken up residence on the edge of his mind during his ride back to Arconia, And one which had grown only more persistent under the stern, though not unkind gaze of Maximillian de Caravel that morning, Not to mention in the wake of his unwelcome dreams during his fitful attempt at sleep. Unwise then, But Sasha could not shake the image of Esca de Caravel leaping from the roof of the Baradome, nor the fierce storm in her eyes as she called him a liar and drew steel on him. There was Harrowroot behind that storm he knew more than he'd ever seen. Had she unfurled wings in that moment and flown into the moon's shadow, he would not have been made more uneasy by the encounter.
Speaker 4 01:06:28
He had told no one of that night, not even Cyrus. A decision that had not come easily. Had told no one that Esca de Caravelle had snuck into Sylvain de Ulesse's chambers. The relief, he felt in the hours that followed when no uproar surged through the Varidome had been immense. Perhaps, he had allowed himself to think, perhaps it was meaningless. But Esca's eyes had told him otherwise, And there had once been a time when he had aligned the world and his place in it around those eyes. Sasha felt the need to straighten his shoulders under the Archduke's attention, to take refuge in the familiarity of military hierarchy, but it seemed he had already done so. "May I ask after the charges brought from Torridium on Esca de Caravelle?" "An investigation is underway," the Archduke said. Though I think we have more pressing matters before us now. Besides, and here he stepped close, dropping a hand on to Sasha's shoulder. Between you and me, I don't believe Elsker Karavol to be capable of murder. With those words, Sasha's heart began to beat a little less forcefully in his chest. You are well acquainted with her yet? A question asked from politeness only. Everyone knew they were well acquainted. Do you think she could kill a man? Sasha shook his head. She believes in the justice of law, Commandatore. To take justice upon herself would be contrary to her nature. The Archduke nodded but then raised one eyebrow. And if it were not a matter of justice? His voice was light musing as though he spoke merely in hypotheticals. 
Speaker 4 01:07:26
Could she enact violence for a cause, to sow discord? The Archduke patted Sasha's shoulder. Ah, ignore my penchant for speculation, Alexandra. I am sure the Lady Caraval is innocent. She has, he went on, a chuckle escaping between words, vowed to uncover the true culprit for Chancellor Fueorlier's death. I imagine she's gathering evidence as we speak. She did a number on Dervanescu; so I expect a formidable case. The fact that the Archduke of Arconia was not aware, seemingly, That Esca was across the Anarian Sea indeed had departed many days before was unexpected. Relieved, as he was that the Archduke did not believe the reports from Torridium Sasha did not feel inclined to enlighten him. And now you must excuse me, Archma.
Speaker 5 01:07:58
From Pancho Rodriguez, I am sorry payroll isn't completed yet. I'll have it done by seven thirty to eight thirty tonight.
Speaker 4 01:08:07
Perhaps you and I can arrange a moment to inspect our latest carrier acquisitions. I have heard good things from the training ground, but have been unable to see for myself in quite some time. Of course, Commander Torre, I am at your disposal. Sasha's mind darted away to the brand on the dead woman, to the strange carriers spreading fear in a small village, to the words Diomede Tilin had left unspoken. The Archduke would not want to hear of it, Unless Sasha had something certain to report, which he decidedly did not. Only the impossible and the memory of deadtyrants. Good, speak to Bernino. He will be able to tell you when my schedule permitted. The Archduke smiled and lifted his hand away from Sasha's shoulder and began to walk toward the door. Beyond, the Hall of Mirrors gleamed. The newest, what was his name? Hector. Hector Norelli, Sasha said. Yes, that's the one.
Speaker 5 01:08:45
From Poncho will do. Thanks.
Speaker 4 01:08:49
I'm looking forward to seeing him. Valexi Arturos de Vokanar Pro paused on the threshold between rooms, A dark silhouette against silver. "And Alexander, you really should get more sleep. I need my Archon Commander to be at his best in these coming days." Sasha pivoted and lunged, his boots sending up a cloud of dust, the spear in his hands thrusting forward, piercing his opponent's neck. A quick twist, the spear's blade sliding free. Sasha spun, the shaft an extension of his arm, the blade a blur, the edge carving into torso after torso. And then an abrupt halt. Sasha dropped to one knee, his left hand propelling the spear backward; the wood whispering through his glove. He kept his head low out of harm's way, waiting for the butt end of the spear to strike. The final blow. There was no resounding impact, no bone jarring thud he had missed.
Speaker 4 01:09:23
Sasha waited, sweat dripping from his nose to land on the dusty training ground. And then he rose to his feet and turned to examine where he had gone wrong. The wooden training mannequins teetered where they stood in a circle around Sasha, battered and shredded through in places. Some would need replacing. Master Ricorio would see to it. One mannequin however still stood proud, its unpainted face staring back at Sasha, frowning. Sasha glanced down at the dusty layer of sand beneath his feet, following the marks his footwork had made. The final move of the sequence ending with a strike to the sternum that would shatter the ribs of a mortal ought to have sent that final mannequin onto its nonexistent backside. I see it Cyrus de Marciasso did not move from where he lounged on top of the low wall surrounding the training circle. He was dressed in a white linen shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, a vest hanging unbuttoned off his strong shoulders. No battalion commander coat, no insignia. You weren't even watching, Sasha said, still frowning at the ground. Didn't need to. You nearly always come up short when you step back before going to your knee. Sasha redirected his frown at his friend. They had not yet spoken of what had occurred in the hall of mirrors. That would come. Let's see you do it then, A sharp laugh from Cyrus and make a fool of myself? He sat up on the wall and looked down at Sasha, rather not have that happen twice in one day. The allusion was clear.
Speaker 4 01:10:21
But Sasha could tell Cyrus was not yet ready to venture down that path. No, no, let's see it. Clearly you know my own sequence better than I do. Sasha held out his spear, a training one, not the one he carried into battle, not the one that had killed thetyrant behind the walls of Edwin. Cyrus hopped down from the wall and strode across the distance between them. His hand closed over the shaft of the spear. Why would I go to all that trouble making you look bad when I could. Fabio. 
Speaker 5 01:10:41
Said, Sure, I can come pick him up at five point two zero.
Speaker 4 01:10:45
Just do this, and with one swift move, Sasha barely saw coming. It was the angle of Cyrus's elbow that gave it away. The former battalion commander tried to sweep Sasha's feet out from under him. An instinctual dodge saved him, just. Sasha grinned as he regained his balance. "Do what exactly?" Cyrus rolled his eyes and tossed the spear back to Sasha. "There's a reason I never train spears with you." "Wouldn't mind shoving the blade of one of those up Valenzuela's arse though." A stiff breeze kicked up a spray of dust. Both men averted their faces and shielded their eyes. When sand settled, their attempts at good humor seemed to flee with the wind. Cyrus held Sasha's gaze for a long moment, his jaw tightening. Sasha leaned on the spear and opened his mouth to speak, but Cyrus beat him to it. "Don't, Sasha." "Don't apologize."
Speaker 4 01:11:20
He lifted his gaze to the sky, somewhere over Sasha's head. "This is not your doing." Cyrus's shoulders sagged, and he turned and clambered back up on the wall. "I broke a man's jaw. This is a consequence of that choice. It is my doing." Sasha flipped the spear on end and jabbed the blade into the sand. The shaft quivered before him and went still. "Unfortunate for that man," Cyrus said, his voice rising slightly, "but a minor grievance when all is said and done." Valenzuela's influence has grown," Sasha sighed, and went to stand in the wall's shadow. He leaned back, his shoulders resting on the warm stones, eyes squinting against the bright light. Somewhere to his right, Cyrus's head was a shadow looming close to the sun. The Archduke doesn't do anything he doesn't want to do, Sire," Sasha said, his voice quiet. "Yes, Hadrian has grown bold in his arrogance and power, and has prospered on the scales of the Archduke's decisions recently. But do not think for a minute that Hadrian Valens may have convinced Arcturus to take this action." The shadow that was Cyrus moved, his head shaking to accompany a muttered insult Sasha could not quite make out. "Then why? I do not understand it. And while faced with the possibility of military action against Lichenza. It is a bad time to change commanders," Sasha. Silence. Then: "And who does he think to raise to my position?" This was not arrogance, Sasha knew; though it was perhaps not without a touch of bitterness.
Speaker 4 01:12:19
The truth of it, though, was that Cyrus de Marcheau was not easily replaced. Raised to battalion commander after Sasha's promotion to Arch-Commander, he had served with distinction and demonstrated impeccable leadership. Not least that very spring so long ago, Sasha felt with so much changed since at the battles of the Carmellian Isthmus. That campaign and the prior years against the allied Nysrum warbands would not have been the comprehensive victories they were celebrated as without Cyrus de Marcheau's deft command of Orlando Battalion. And Sasha had made that abundantly clear to the Archduke. But this wasn't about Cyrus de Marcheau. Sasha said as much. What do you mean Bellin's whalers are a chance to strike at me? Sasha signed Wishing for a moment to share in the way Cyrus saw the world, it would be simpler. I mean that you are an unfortunate casualty of war, Cyrus, an innocent bystander. Sasha shifted so he could look at his friend properly. The Archduke did this to punish me. Cyrus was quiet, his dark eyes steady. He could have stripped me of command, could have ordered me to fight Valens Weyrner, could have done any number of things to my person, my position. But, he knew the far greater punishment for me would be to watch you suffer without cause and be powerless to stop it. Sasha watched Cyrus absorb this until he could no longer bear to see the anger mounting in his friend's face. For it was an echo of his own barely harnessed simmering in his bones.
Speaker 4 01:13:17
He dared not loosen that leash, and every second he absorbed Cyrus's pain threatened to do just that. Pushing himself off the wall, Sasha paced away. He retrieved the spear from the sand, marched up to the closest mannequin, and sent the blade slicing through the wooden neck. The head dropped to the sand and rolled to a stop at Sasha's feet. Why? Cyrus asked, his voice tight. What did you do to earn this? You have only ever served him well. Your loyalty is unquestionable. Your skill unparalleled. Without you, Ria would be overrun by Vothians. Without you, Siddalgo would have brought Edwyn to its knees. Without you, Verdien would be ash. A Griffin's broken jaw is not worth all this. This was the question Sasha had not yet let himself contemplate. The answer frightened him. Taking a deep breath, Sasha turned to face Cyrus once more. He knows all of that. He does not doubt my skill. I do not believe he even doubts my loyalty. Perhaps there is some old transgression, some slight he has not forgotten. Sasha did not doubt the Archduke was one to remember every affront, every offense intended or accidental, and yet this was not what frightened him. You think it is something more? Cyrus slipped down from the wall and came to stand before Sasha. The anger was still there, roiling beneath the surface, but apprehension ran against that current. Sasha bent down and retrieved the wooden head he turned it in his hands. 
Speaker 4 01:14:15
It was heavier than a human head. At last he could put off the words no longer. Sasha met Cyrus's gaze. I think he wants to know how far he can push me. I think he means to discover where and how I might break, because he can, because he knows I will take it. Chapter eight: This was fire, nothing more. The bronze disk did not start speaking to Manon, or if it did, not in any way she could comprehend. She had cast aside the foolish notion that the disk might suddenly cease to be a mystery. The moment she awoke among the simple comforts of the Lydian outpost, and Luca told her Alexander de Miros had ridden west to Arconia. Let such nonsense ride with him; she had no wish to indulge in it. Or so she thought. But somewhere between her bed within the sturdy walls of the outpost and the moment she put her foot in the stirrup as she and Luca prepared to leave, Manon had caught herself, wondering if she, in fact, could use the disc to supplement her carrier abilities. The fact that she'd done such an about - face within the span of time, it took her to spoon a bowl of porridge down her throat and tie her pack to her saddle once more, well, She certainly hadn't been about to admit to Luca that such considerations had entered her mind. And yet, she had reasoned, if a little forcefully while she and Luca bid farewell to Captain Sennecall, Her father had not left the bronze disc in Victor's sarcophagus by accident. Julian Barker had sent her to the mausoleum. 
Speaker 4 01:15:15
Left out somehow, the tools to break open the marble housing her brother's corpse. Though the gold was the obvious end, the Varga fortunes being in such tatters, her father would have expected Manon to make a thorough search of it. It's what he himself would have done after all. Manon had seen it more than once. Despite his habit of diving into an excavation without so much as a plan, dig. ouch! It was that simple. Julian Varga never rushed. Ashley and said Maddie? The second half of that equation meant no left a spend on turn, a pot unsearched, a tomb unsealed. Wasn't on the fork?
Speaker 6 01:15:51
What's that? Why not?
Speaker 1 01:15:58
Unacceptable. Yeah, they're well. Yeah,
Speaker 3 01:16:12
To the foot to the crack was like right down, and it's probably all the way to my heel.
Speaker 2 01:16:19
And sometimes, Blue. Sometimes it just goes, you know?
Speaker 3 01:16:24
Yeah, like once it hit, It was like up and there was a bead, and we didn't notice the crack. And then then like once we got in, oh, I didn't know if it was if it got if it cracked, once we started driving. I don't know. But we got goldfish, a beef stick, a cookie and a pop tart.
Speaker 3 01:16:50
I'll take the beef stick, please. So can we watch a video?
Speaker 2 01:16:56
High, low, water bottle.
Speaker 3 01:16:59
My high was probably the end of school. Uh my low was. Oh what is it? Math. Math's kind of boring. Then.
Speaker 3 01:17:20
And my medium was okay. Not medium, random. I mean my random, uh. Was that. Oh.
Speaker 2 01:17:35
No. Yeah. How was random? What? Random that school ended? That's not random.
Speaker 3 01:17:42
No, But random that we played a block game Like. We could do block it on the thing But block it is like. Something with games. And uh, like it's like the game that you have, but it's way funnier. I would rather play that uh more. And like it's teach you. What game do I have? On my iPad, the math games. Oh okay. I'd rather play.
Speaker 1 01:18:14
So can we watch a video?
Speaker 2 01:18:32
No Worries. I called Jesse and haven't heard back from him. Did you see that email from Servite regarding transcripts? It looks like they ordered. Them. Through your email. With a company called, Scrib Order. Did you get it question mark. 
Speaker 2 01:19:38
Not trying to bug you period. Is the black team practicing today question mark. Yes.
Speaker 3 01:19:50
What what what time is the black team?
Speaker 1 01:19:54
The other team.
Speaker 3 01:20:12
From Ashley Ann, I did.
Speaker 2 01:20:22
Would you mind forwarding that to me? Question mark. Nope.
Speaker 2 01:20:59
Monday at five p m. for Maddie.
Speaker 3 01:21:21
What's the difference between Maddie and and the other one?
Speaker 2 01:21:26
Um, Madison would be Maddie. But I think if you listen to how I say it, I know I do say like it with a D. That's not what I. It sounds more like a D, I guess you could say. So. All right, so you're gonna have practice at five o'clock. Yeah. Coach said he wanted Andrew to come out today, and then I'm gonna ask him what to do about.
Speaker 2 01:21:60
About the red team because we want to be team players here. But I want to be I want to be fair to him and fair to you. That make sense? Yeah. I got this for my girlfriend and she absolutely loved it. It's a really special mug because when you pour in hot water, it turns white and red hearts appear. How amazing is that?
Speaker 6 01:22:27
It's not expensive, It's February the first, nineteen forty three, And taking off from Biskra in Algeria are a formation of B seventeen bombers belonging to the four hundred. And fourteenth squadron, ninety seventh bombardment group. Their target is three hundred miles away at the seaport of Tunis, which is controlled by the Germans. At the controls of his B seventeen F, The All American sits Lieutenant Ken Bragg Junior and his co-pilot Godfrey Engel Junior.
Speaker 6 01:22:59
On route, the B seventeens were repeatedly harassed by BF one o nines. Putting up a brave defense, They managed to make it through to the target and the German fighters peel off just before the flak starts up. The bombardier, Ralph Burbridge takes control. The flak is very thick and the crew are shook repeatedly. Burbridge though does his job and over Tunis releases the load of bombs. The All American and the rest of the B seventeens turn for home. On their return, what sounded the flag, the formation is targeted again by German fighters. Tenaciously they hang on to the formation, doing repeated passes and taking chunks out of the B seventeens. That is until their maximum range is reached, and the Germans are forced to turn back home. Thankfully, The All American is still in good shape, and all the crews breathe a sigh of relief as they're almost out of German range. But any celebrations aren't too early when suddenly. 
Speaker 6 01:23:57
The cry goes up, "Bandits!" as two Bf one o nine s are spotted. At the controls of the fighters are two very experienced German pilots. One of the Bf one o nine s targets the lead plane in the squadron. The gunners on the all-American try and defend the lead bomber. The right -side gun pumps lead into the Bf one o nine, and it's a critical hit. The one o nine slipped under the formation, streaming smoke and oil, and went down in a desert below. Meanwhile. The second 109, Yellow One, piloted by Eric Paksia, gets the All-American in its sights. Paksia is an experienced pilot with sixteen victories to his name. His plan is to take the All-American head-on and roll underneath it. The nose gunner has other plans and gets to work. The All-American is hit repeatedly, but the plucky crew continue their defense, peppering Yellow One with lead. All the time it's flying closer.
Speaker 6 01:24:56
To the point it's filling the gun sights. In the Bf 109, his attacker on the gun, Paxia starts to roll and line up for another attack. But the hail of fire from the B-17 has done its job, incapacitating the pilot. Whether through injury or mechanical problems, He is unable to complete his maneuver and the plane heads straight for The All American. The crew hear a whoosh and a shudder as the out- of- control 109 plowed into The All American. The alarming noise of the two birds colliding coincides with a storm of twisted, tangled, razor-sharp metal flying about, stunning the crew. The plane lurched and writhed as the controls were braked, struggling to keep her straight and level. Picking themselves off the ground, the crew were amazed to see a huge gaping hole in the fuselage. The 109 had completely disintegrated, but it had left its mark on the now seemingly critically injured. Warbird.
Speaker 6 01:25:55
The crew were also astounded to find bits of the 109 lying around inside the fuselage, or what was left of the fuselage. The B-17 had been almost entirely torn in two. The tail end of the plane was connected to the main fuselage by just two small parts of the airframe. Despite their reputation as tough and hard to bring down, this B-17 should have been critically damaged. The melee had left its mark. None of the right hand engines were now running. Only one engine on the left was fully operational. The rudder had been damaged and the vertical fin looked like it would give way at any moment. Unbelievably, the entire crew was still alive. They tightened their parachutes, Ready to jump as soon as the tail gave up its tenuous connection to the aircraft. But again, unbelievably, the All American kept on flying. Other B seventeens in the formation were amazed to see. 
Speaker 6 01:26:53
The plane almost torn in two, pitch up, recover and continue flying. It seemed to everyone like a miracle. Lieutenant Charles Cutforth and an accompanying bomber, the Flying Flak Gun, Snapped an image of the stricken bomber that would become famous : The All American cruising over the desert landscape with a ragged slice through its fuselage. Bragg later recalled : " As I've opened the door of the radio compartment and looked back into." Fuselage. I was stunned. A torn mass of metal greeted my eyes. Wires were dangling, and sheets of metal were flapping as the air rushed through the torn wreckage. Three fourths of the plane had been cut completely through by the enemy fighter, And a large piece of the wing of the Me one o nine was still lodged in the tail of our plane. It left our tail section hanging on by a few slender spars and a narrow strip of metallic skin. Sergeant Sam Sarpalis, the tail gunner. 
Speaker 6 01:27:50
Decided, it was time to escape his position in the most fragile part of the plane, and crawled along the spars to make it back into the main fuselage, bringing with him four gun brushes, his parachute, and Bragg's jacket. The formation slowed and stayed with the plane until they were safely over A merican - controlled airspace. Then went ahead to land. The brave pilots of the A ll - A merican managed to ease a plane down on a straight landing trajectory at Bischoff without a rear wheel now. The incredibly resilient B seventeen held together as it came spinning to a halt. The crew exited the plane and apart from minor injuries were unhurt. Even the All American was not critically injured. The bird that wouldn't be put down was patched up and continued to the end of the war, eventually having to be scrapped. Most of our viewers aren't yet subscribers. If you like this video, please support us by hitting subscribe at. 
Speaker 1 01:28:56
It's May the first, nineteen. 
Speaker 6 01:29:14
Forty three, And seventy eight B seventeen s from the three hundred and sixth bomb group are heading over the channel towards France. Their target are the German U boat pens. At Saint Nazaire. There is heavy cloud cover and the B seventeen s let loose their bombs. The mission was shaping up as a huge success. The flak was moderate, and the German fighters didn't seem to attack with any great determination. The three hundred sixth headed home for England, another mission completed, or so they thought. In a B seventeen F number six four nine, On his first mission with ball turret gunner Sergeant Maynard H Smith at five foot four inches.
Speaker 6 01:29:54
Smith was not a tall man, which was an essential requirement for a ball turret gunner. B seventeen crews had a mortality rate of thirty percent, but for ball turret gunners it was sixty percent. Although that didn't buy any favors with the rest of the crew. Known to the other crewmen as Snuffy after a grumpy comic strip character named Snuffy Smith, he was not well liked amongst the men. For Smith, the feeling was mutual. Who said of the other airman that they were People that I had no interest in, but was forced to associate with simply because I was in the army. In the early afternoon, The lead navigator of the B seventeen s took the formation down to around two thousand feet or just over six hundred meters over what he thought was the coast of England. But to the surprise of the American planes, Lights flashed below them and all of a sudden, they realized that they're under attack. The Germans have let loose with everything they have.
Speaker 6 01:30:52
Anti-aircraft guns as well as artillery and even small arms fire. It's a disaster, as the B-17s are repeatedly hit. Due to what's thought is a faulty compass, this isn't England. It's occupied France, and now the bombers are directly over the city of Brest, one of the most heavily defended cities in control of the Germans. These are flying fortresses, but even a fortress can only take so much punishment. And it's not long before one of the planes goes down. Then another, then another. The B seventeen s turn, Trying to avoid the worst of the fire from the ground and head out over the English Channel. But then, as the anti aircraft fire trails off into the distance, there was a respite. It was a short one as twenty F W one ninety s scream in and let loose with machine gun and cannon fire. Crews call out positions on the intercom as the B seventeen s machine guns buzz.
Speaker 6 01:31:51
As they take the fight back to the Germans, Smith's plane, number six, four, nine was towards the edge of the formation and was much more vulnerable than the other fortresses. In the ball turret, Smith watched in fear as tracer fire snaked towards him. He heard it hit his B seventeen and then an explosion rocked the flying fortress. The intercom system went dead as well as all power to the ball turret. Smith called out, "What hell happened?" Without power in the turret, he was useless and a sitting duck. Manually, He cranked the ball turret around so as to get into the main plane and managed to get out. But the relief was short-lived. It looked like an inferno.
Speaker 6 01:32:48
The wing tank had been shot and gasoline pours into the plane. Towards the front of the plane, the way was completely blocked by fire. Also towards the tail section, there's a raging fire. The oxygen supply had been hit and escaping oxygen fans the fire's flames. With no intercom to the captain and the way blocked by fire, three of the men decide to bail out. The radio, operator jumps and the two waist gunners decide they've done enough, and they too had to get out. One of the gunners got his parachute straps snagged. Smith stepped forward and shouted, "Is it warm enough for you?" "Screw you, snuffy." Here, let me help. As Smith helped the gunner free his parachute strap, the gunner didn't see the joke and bailed out. Those three men were never seen again.
Speaker 6 01:33:51
Smith was small, but he was tough and determined. With the incredible heat of the fire, he wrapped some cloth around his head, Grabbed a fire extinguisher and set to work tackling the flames towards the rear of the plane. Battling against the heat and through the flames, he could make out the tail gunner Roy Gibson crawling towards him. Gibson had been badly hit. Giving the man first aid, Smith realized that Gibson's lung had been punctured. In severe pain, Gibson weakly asked Smith," Can you see England yet?" Smith looked out of the hole in the plane. There was just sea. We're almost home. Grabbing the extinguisher, Smith then went on to tackle the fire at the front of the plane. Eventually overcome by fumes, he had to rest. From Ashley N. Okay.
Speaker 6 01:34:51
Looking out the side of the plane, his blood ran cold. The Fw 190s were back to finish the job. Jumping up, Smith manned the waist gun as an Fw 190 screamed by on its attack run. Then, he jumped over to the other waist gun to pepper the 190 as it sped away. The fire was so intense now, Smith was throwing everything flammable out of the gaping holes in the side of the plane. The inferno was starting to cook the ammunition in the radio compartment. And Smith even had to throw some ammunition canisters out of the plane. After the fire extinguishers were done, He threw any water, he could lay his hands onto over the fire, and even tried to pee on it to help put out the flames. Anything to keep his bird in the air. Smith repeatedly went from administering aid to the injured, Fighting the fire and all the while fighting off the enemies with the waist guns. Any one of which was a massive trial.
Speaker 6 01:35:48
But Smith managed all three. Just after three p.m. the B seventeen crossed the English coast. Smith sat, exhausted, his clothes smoldering, the compartment completely gutted, the gun mount and camera were melted, but all the fires were out. Bro, the level just started and we're already getting overrun. I gotta take these guys out and build this crossbow tower as fast as possible. I don't need. For the pilot Lieutenant Lewis P Johnson Junior This was his twenty-fifth mission. He said, "This is a hell of a way to finish." Seven planes were lost on that day, along with the lives of many young men. All seven crew that stayed on board six four nine, including Gibson, survived. Incredibly Smith's actions saved the plane and the lives of the young men on board. As the medics pulled Gibson off the plane, he jokingly requested he be given his Purple Heart. Smith said, "The plane was riddled with about three thousand five hundred bullet holes."
Speaker 6 01:36:46
It was all burned out in the center. There was nothing but the four main beams holding it together. Ten minutes after it landed, the plane collapsed. For his actions, Smith was awarded the Medal of Honor. But Smith's troubles and irreverence to authority continued. That week after he was awarded the Medal of Honor, he was assigned to kitchen duty as punishment for arriving late to a briefing. He continued in combat but was grounded due to combat stress reaction or P T S D as it's known today.
Speaker 6 01:37:18
In an unprecedented move against a Medal of Honor recipient, Major Thomas F. Wit, the 306th Operations Officer, pushed for Smith to be demoted to a private for poor job performance. Wit said that repeated warnings and reprimands have been a necessity to get Smith to work at all. On December the 17th, 1944, Smith was demoted. Characteristically, he said of the events : " It was the rotten deal that lousy outfit gave me via the great judgment of Wit." Some of his cohorts. He was sent home shortly after. He'd always said to his friend, he wouldn't return home unless they threw a parade for him. And to his surprise and delight, that's exactly what happened to this hero when he returned to his hometown. If you haven't yet, please subscribe to the channel and please watch more videos. It's the twenty sixth of June, nineteen forty three. 
Speaker 6 01:38:15
Three squadrons of P, forty seven C Thunderbolts fly across the skies of occupied France. They're on a course to meet with a formation of B seventeen s returning from a bombing run deep in enemy territory. Towards the rear of the formation is Second Lieutenant Robert S Johnson. As is common for him, He's keeping a careful watch over the skies around him as they venture further into enemy territory, almost waiting for bandits. To show their face. He looks up over his right shoulder, and his fear is reality. Coming down from above are sixteen Focke-Wulf 190s barreling towards them. Johnson takes his radio and shouts, "Bandit, five o'clock!" But to his horror, there is no response, and the planes around him don't react at all. Bandit!
Speaker 6 01:39:15
Five o'clock, he shouts again to the same result. In a panic now, he tries to adjust the radio, but it's already too late.
Speaker 2 01:39:27
This might be the most underrated survival tool in America in twenty twenty five. The truth is, this world has become unpredictable. We've seen it all.
Speaker 6 01:39:38
A bullet punches through hisplexiglass cockpit from above, barely missing him and piercing the floor. In a blur, a shower of lead rips through his machine. Shells impact the body, and small caliber bullets tear through his canopy and engine, punching through the oxygen tube and hydraulic line, as well as sending shrapnel into his thigh. He tries to maneuver, but the punctured hydraulic line sprays fluid at him, blinding him. Meanwhile, Hot oil pours out of the engine and enters the cockpit through the bullet holes in the canopy where it mixes with.
Speaker 6 01:40:14
Pure oxygen spilling out of his tube and it ignites. A flash fire lights inside the cabin for a split second. It singes him and causes him to fully lose control. His plane enters a death spiral and falls towards the French countryside far below. Johnson fights with the machine, his eyes are stinging from the hydraulic fluid, he pulls hard on the stick and wrestles with the rudder. Miraculously, he stops the spin and brings the machine back to level flight. Even as his plane appears to be shaking itself to pieces around him, he's bleeding, burnt and lacking oxygen. He wipes the fluid off his eyes and attempts to bail out. But to his horror, the canopy gets stuck. He's now in the verge of panic. One of the plexiglass panels has been blown out. He swiftly attempts to jump through the opening but gets stuck.
Speaker 6 01:41:11
His parachute isn't making it through. He fights with the parachute, trying to squeeze it through as he's lambasted by the wind. But he quickly realizes he isn't making it out and is forced back inside. Johnson takes a deep breath. The plane's drop in altitude has brought him to safer oxygen levels, and the mental haze clouding his judgment slowly evaporates. He realizes that despite all its damage, the plane is actually flying quite well. He pulls back on the throttle and the shaking clears itself out. Maybe, just maybe he can nurse the machine back to Britain. Making for home, he looks up to see the desperate dogfight taking place far above. He watches with a heavy heart, praying for the safety of his fellows. There's nothing he can do now to help. But then as he looks at the swarm of dots, he spots a single yellow nosed Focke-Wulf 190 coming straight towards him.
Speaker 6 01:42:10
A sense of dread washes over Johnson. He can almost see the enemy fighter in slow motion as it lines up its shot and opens fire. A twenty millimeter cannon fire strikes the wounded Thunderbolt for the second time that day. Desperate, Johnson kills the throttle and repeatedly shoves the rudder left and right, bleeding speed as quickly as he can. The German pilot overshoots, and Johnson sees an opportunity to fight back.
Speaker 6 01:42:40
He tries to aim a burst at the 190 speeding past, but the oil-covered canopy spoils the attempt. But then, the German pilot stops his assault. Instead of turning around for another attack, the 190 pulls up on his wing and flies in close formation. The two pilots look at each other in the eye, and the German gives Johnson a military salute. Johnson is stunned. And gives back an unsteady wave of his own. The 190 pulls away, leaving the American to his fate. Johnson breathes, thinking he'd just been spared. He watches the German machine depart, deeply thankful. But then he realizes something is wrong. The 190 doesn't head back to where he came from; instead, he continues his turnaround towards the P-47's tail. Shivers travel down Johnson's spine.
Speaker 6 01:43:38
He isn't being spared. He drops the seat and ducks behind the Thunderbolt's rear cockpit armor as the 190 cruelly opens fire. The limping P-47 is once again littered with lead. Thankfully, the 190 is out of twenty millimeter ammunition, but still tears through the P-47 with its machine guns, Dumping hundreds of seven point nine, two millimeter rounds into its body and striking nearly everything under the fuselage.
Speaker 6 01:44:08
The 190 once again pulls out alongside the P-47, and Johnson watches as the German pilot salutes him one more time. Johnson isn't amused, And curses at the pilot who dares fire at a downed aircraft and mocked his defenseless operator. But of course, his words go unheard, and the 190 once again turns back for yet another run. He hides one more time as the 190 litters the P - 47 with its machine guns. This time, using the rudder to pepper the Thunderbolt from wingtip to wingtip, trying to shred absolutely everything. Johnson is bracing for the worst, just waiting for a bullet to land a killing blow. As he listens for round after round, piercing his aircraft's metal body and impacting the armor behind his back. And suddenly, it stops. He opens his eyes; he's still flying. In a state of shock, he looks to the right.
Speaker 6 01:45:07
And yet again, sees the German pilot flying alongside him. They stare at each other for an eternal moment. The German rocks his plane side to side and flies away, out of ammunition. Johnson keeps his eyes on the 190 the entire way, part of him expecting it to come again to finish him off, but this time it's leaving for good and the 190 disappears into the distance.
Speaker 6 01:45:35
He slumps into his seat, wondering how on earth he's still alive. Reaching Madsen Air Base a few minutes later, he fears the landing gear hadn't survived the onslaught. But to his surprise, it successfully deploys and locks into place. The tires even remain inflated. Johnson makes a perfect landing and is greeted on the ground by a team of medics. They help him out through the blown window and immediately rush him to hospital.
Speaker 6 01:46:04
He had suffered burns across his body, swollen eyes from the oil and hydraulic fluid that covered his face, shrapnel injuries on his hands and thigh, and a piece of his nose had been nicked away by a bullet. He would though make a full recovery and return to the skies just five days later. During his recovery he got the chance to see his destroyed plane. He stood by its tail and began counting the bullet holes. He gave up after reaching two hundred without taking a single step.
Speaker 6 01:46:35
The pilot who attacked Johnson is rumored to have been German ace Egon Mayer. He would be killed in action on March the following year. Johnson went on to become an excellent pilot, achieving twenty-seven confirmed victories in his trusty Thunderbolt, which makes him the second highest American aces in the European theater. He would earn the Purple Heart for the incident, but would also earn the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star. Distinguished flying cross nine times over and many more decorations throughout his service. Robert Samuel Johnson would pass away at the age of seventy eight in Tulsa, Oklahoma on December twenty seventh, nineteen ninety.
Speaker 2 01:47:19
Here is the drink that flushes the sugar out of your veins and makes poor circulation disappear without relying on endless pills.
Speaker 6 01:47:32
During World War Two. Desperate times, the Allies worked on animal control weapons designs. In this film.
Speaker 2 01:47:43
Hey Ben. You want to get in or you want to stay here?
Speaker 1 01:47:59
What's up, dude?
Speaker 2 01:48:35
Um. Eric, you got practice at seven fifteen. Is that for home? Yeah. And Maddie, you got practice at five. Sure, tell me about your day, guys.
Speaker 3 01:49:02
Um, it was fun. I got a lot of work done on my.
Speaker 3 01:49:08
Yeah. Do you think my team, my dodgeball team could beat Eric's dodgeball team?
Speaker 2 01:49:15
I don't know. Never seen your dodgeball team play. I've never seen Eric's dodgeball team play. Who was on the team then?
Speaker 3 01:49:28
Me, Ethan, Armon, Karlen, Akash, Keon.
Speaker 2 01:49:41
How was your birthday party? Yeah,
Speaker 3 01:49:42
You guys are cooked.
Speaker 2 01:49:47
How about. That sounds like a good team, But I don't know that it's going to be enough for the eighth- grade superpower that I have put together.
Speaker 3 01:49:59
I think we could beat Eric. You're not helping. Basically saying then Matthew, you're not helping either.
Speaker 3 01:50:10
He's not.
Speaker 2 01:50:11
Yeah, but you know what, dude? You're causing problems. Is there any world where he's going to be okay with that?
Speaker 3 01:50:18
No, but where's the world that I'm going to be okay with this?
Speaker 2 01:50:27
Do you want me to treat you according to what a 10- year- old should be doing or according to what a 12- year- old should be doing? Twelve- year- old. Okay. So, You're gonna try to be the bigger brother instead of trying to be the equal brother. You focus on you. Let me focus on everybody else. It's like you guys don't care about, you know, the other person you're talking to. You just say whatever's on your mind.
Speaker 2 01:51:06
And it's not a big deal if you hurt anybody's feelings, and then you guys get so butthurt when somebody dares say something to you.
Speaker 3 01:51:29
Hey Ben. What? It sounds like a good team, But I don't know if it's going to be enough to beat the eighth grades. Put together. Now we're talking. For the record, I don't think anybody's gonna beat us, but Mr. Mencik said there's only four teams. Yeah, you six grade girls team. I think it's all the little short Indian girls. Oh yeah, That all play basketball together, It's funny. They have like a They're gonna get wrecked, It's crazy. They have like a uh like a group of like eleven.
Speaker 3 01:52:06
Little girls that are all like. Matthew's height. Yeah, Matthew's height. Wait. They're sixth graders. They're all like Matthew's height? And they all play basketball together? That's really funny. And they're all like the same height. What was their last name? Uh, seventh grade.
Speaker 3 01:52:35
It's probably gonna be something like. Wait, have you seen the brackets? Like Spencer, Wes, Scott. Are you guys going to teach? Justin. Have you seen the brackets? No. Mr. Meltzer told me about it. He said he said he was gonna put, uh he said he was gonna finish the brackets today, and then we're probably gonna play. Uh we're starting.
Speaker 3 01:53:06
Yeah.
Speaker 3 01:54:10
It's Bigger than a chicken nugget. It tastes just about the same.
Speaker 3 01:54:25
Also. I tend to think that nuggets are smaller than chicken nuggets. Nope, I'm gonna put tape on my finger. What? If you want to. Is that what do you think?
Speaker 2 01:54:41
You think the nuggets are bigger or chicken nuggets are bigger? I don't know, how big is the source? Uh How long has it been holding it?
Speaker 2 01:54:53
Say Ben's size source.
Speaker 3 01:54:56
Three days. He's been holding it for a day. Most people don't hold it for three days. I know that's gonna be a long.
Speaker 2 01:55:04
No, I've watched him for like a year now. They all pooped nugget, I think. What? One nugget now. Nugget, Nugget So, my interview went well today You get a job Well. No. So that was just the recruiter. So they're like, hey, what do you I tend to do well with the recruiters, but. He said something that they don't normally say, in that he said, I'm pretty confident I can get you an interview. Uh, or I can get you to the first interview. So and that'll be with the C E O so. What's the second interview? Se So it's like um um now so that. 
Speaker 2 01:55:56
The uh. So this, What you have is one guy bought a company from another guy, and he's trying to grow it. Right, So the one the guy that bought the company is the C E O. And then the other guy is still works for the company. He's the old owner, so that would so I'd be meeting with the old guy. So the new guy first, the old guy second, and then their their financial guy third. So. What is the company about? It's a garage door servicing company. But they're looking to. Do you get a free garage door? I hope so. I'm sure that I can get a discount. Um. 
Speaker 2 01:56:55
No, just then like you know the company. I mean that's not a small thing. All. 
Speaker 3 01:57:01
The jobs you're applying for are like second in command, right?
Speaker 3 01:57:06
Uh, They're all higher level. Yeah. Cause you're like second rank with the court, right?
Speaker 2 01:57:17
Yeah, but you know it's all You know, I can manage well. I think, you know, I've got the understanding to to do higher level stuff. What I do with Uncle Corey honestly is small. Would. 
Speaker 3 01:57:42
You stay? Would Uncle Corey give you that amount of money, or if you already got the job that he decided to give you that amount. 
Speaker 2 01:57:52
Of money that you wanted? Um, If I had more money with Uncle Corey, I would be more selective. I honestly, I don't. I don't think that Uncle Corey has what it takes to build a company with a lot of employees. He doesn't know how to take care of his employees properly.
Speaker 2 01:58:24
You're going to end up with a lot of turnover, and you're never going to end up with like great, great employees because. You know they don't want they. They're never going to feel like yes I want to make this my home.
Speaker 3 01:58:43
When are you going to retire dad?
Speaker 2 01:58:46
Do you see me as the type of guy that retires? Yeah, see Papa when you're seventy.
Speaker 2 01:58:53
I can find something still challenging.
Speaker 3 01:58:58
That's the age step. That still works though, doesn't she? What? Does Nana stop a job? Yeah. No, she's a doctor. No, no, no, she works for a hospital. I know that's what I meant but I didn't know what the word was. Imagine Nana being a doctor. She'd. 
Speaker 2 01:59:21
Be a good doctor if she wanted to be one. Providing chicks.
Speaker 3 01:59:31
I'm just imagining her making all those funny noises that she makes whenever she like goes in for like a, like a thing.
Speaker 2 01:59:38
Saying one of those corny jokes. It's a lot better right here. Is it tickle that stuff?
Speaker 3 01:59:55
Mom, we have to like six forty this morning. We're gonna have like twenty minutes of extra sleep. Sorry.

[AI_SUMMARY]
The narrative intertwines domestic logistics with political intrigue and ethical dilemmas in a fantasy setting. Key figures, including Arch-Commander Sasha and the Archduke, navigate tensions regarding military strategies and alliances, particularly concerning Lichenza's preparations for war. Ethical considerations arise as Sasha advocates for preserving lives over glory, while the narrative also explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the complexities of authority. Parallel threads highlight scholarly reform and the moral responsibilities of knowledge, culminating in a call for restitution of cultural artifacts and a critique of power dynamics. The overarching message emphasizes the need for responsible leadership and the importance of ethical accountability in both personal and political realms.