In an academic way they hold great fascination for the student not only of tactics but of human nature. The actuality of battles is disgusting.I had grown in my seasons upon Kregen to dislike fighting and battles and violence exceedingly, as I am sure you will have perceived. Yet I was still the old intemperate Dray Prescot underneath all the acquired veneer of calm and rationality.When your countrymen and women — as the peoples of Vallia certainly were by now — are enslaved and treated vilely, then if you are able to liberate them it seems a chivalrous notion to go out and do what you can to restore them to their former freedoms and dignity. I am very wary about this idea of chivalry, and although being called a chivalrous knight, much to my chagrin and inward amusement, I do subscribe to the idea that tasks to be done in this life must be done. If I can get out of the more awkward particulars, then I’ll get out sharpish. I am an old paktun, an old leem-hunter, and I value my hide as dearly as the next fellow.The folk of Vallia had demanded that I become their emperor and lead them out of the Times of Troubles.
