Siegfried response is so unusual for one such as him, for an Exemplar so old he must have already been one before King Cenwalh was even crowned, that I fail to wrap my head around it.

“I know the Order believes in order, and that it compromises for the purpose, but do you truly understand the scope of what I am speaking about?” I ask.

“The end of Nobility, it would only make sense considering Elizabeth Vil has agreed to work with you despite conflicting relationships with one honorary Duchess.” He says with a touch of humor.

“Heh.” I chuckle. “You've known far more than you've revealed.” Yet, far less than you realize.

“I've read every detailed report on you.” The Exemplar replies easily. “I have seen enough in my life to be able to understand where a young idealistic mind would go when confronted with horrors of war.”

“You know naught, old man.” I utter somberly.

“Nobility as it is cannot last, Dame Freepath.” Siegfried affirms with a dark voice. “Too many have grown greedy and without morals among them, you are not the only being to have seen as much, yet you have not seen enough to understand why titled Nobility is allowed to persist.”

“Then, enlighten me.” I tell him.

“Look around, you think these people are acting out of anger? They are afraid their lives will be swept up, they have been forced to change lieges and now you show up in their lands bringing chaos with you.” Siegfried says, waving his hand.

The people are staring at the group of runaways leave their streets with dark expressions, some are openly angry, others nervous, all of them seem to be concealing fear in their eyes. I notice that Rowland, Uhla, and Nahl are closing the march, within hearing range.

“You threaten their world when they wish for no more than peace and safety which titled Nobles grant by their very existence.” He continues.

“Unsuccessfully.” I somberly note.

“Perhaps at times, yet what matters is less their effectiveness than the belief people hold they are powerful enough to defend them.” The Exemplar counters.

“They hold the same aspirations towards the Order.” I comment.

“Yes, but the Order cannot rule as it is meant to be a shield to maintain the Empire's stability.” The old man said tiredly. “Our role is that of releasing pressures and resolving them when possible. Bad seeds among Nobility remain family to others, and friends to more. If we were to remove them all with scant justification, then it would be civil war.”

“Let's go back to the people.” I speak up. “They fear Nobility's retaliation because we are clearly not staying so we are passing trouble that can bring lasting consequences to them if they were to show sympathy.”

“True, but what if it is the opposite?” The Exemplar asks.

“...” I pause. “They fear we would stay and remove a benevolent ruler? With subordinates as the one I took out? No.” I deny.

“Perhaps not here, but elsewhere. If one acts against Nobility, one will eventually have to face all of them.” Siegfried explains, showing a surprising depth in awareness of what it would take to destroy the system. “Including those who safeguard our borders, and they are many.”

“I'm aware of that.” I grunt. “But those with such a clarity of purpose can be held to their posts without leaving them with their privileges.”

“You're mistaken to think that all those who safeguard our borders are at our borders, Dame Jessica.” Siegfried says with a sigh. “Noble houses in Cenwalh may not have sent their armies, but they've sent equipment, grain, and horses. This means that they are as important, if not more, than those who bear arms to slay insects and cold bloods.”

“They are no insects, not in the way you use the word.” I gripe.

“Perhaps not as a civilization, but in war they devour everything in their path like so many ants with no regard for life.” The old Exemplar murmurs.

“Ha.” I chuckle. “Humans are truly unsuited for war as a species.” I tell him.

“...” Siegfried takes a sharp breath in. “It surprises me one such as you would say so, especially with your views towards Nobility. Without the Empire, we are as bloodthirsty as any cold blood.” He says.

“Hardly.” I deny with a smirk. “Look at our escape north, after the initial battles I've rarely had to kill more than a handful to cause retreats from large troops.”

“Because...” He starts.

“Because we are not cruel enough. Because even though Evil should fail according to the morals we hold, the truth is different.” I interrupt. “Even Nobles that I have despised and killed often failed because they were too soft.”

“Should they have sent soldiers after you to die one after the other?” Siegfried asks, baffled.

“Yes.” I affirm. “If they truly think me a threat, they should have. Of all those I have met in my life, Director Suxen is the only one who has the dedication to follow through with this logical method.”

“She is a mad genius.” The Exemplar notes.

“Yes, she is an abnormal human, she does not appear to feel empathy.” I agree. “Do you understand why I have said that humans as a species are unsuited for war now?”

“You imply that every war should be total and to the death.” The Exemplar says with a frightened expression.

“Perhaps not all of them, but then are they truly wars rather than skirmishes?” I question. “If you fight for survival, you should do so with everything you have and humans...” I trail off. “There is a Rykz saying that goes like this. It is not desirable to engage in war but, when we starve, then we must voluntarily devolve the state of our peaceful civilization for its own continued survival.”

“Are you not arguing against yourself here? I thought you sought out a better life for humans and as such wish to eliminate a Nobility you judge cruel.” Siegfried notes. “If we follow your advice, then...”

“Then the Empire should disregard people's happiness and become a true workshop of war, which it is unable to do in its current state because humans are soft.” I utter. “King Cenwalh sent assassins instead of an army. Izla Meria is filled with his enemies yet he fears bloodshed, he recoils when faced with the bloody task of purging those opposing his rule. No matter what he is, he has empathy and morals of his own.”

“Let's say, for a moment, that I believe he did what you say he did. Do you think that wasn't going far enough?” Siegfried asks, baffled.

“Of course not, and it'll cost him his life eventually.” I confirm. “He should have kept an army in Meiridin to send to Izla Meria after both the army and the Order left for Telnur.”

“I don't understand you.” The old man admits as we walk out of the city.

“It is simple, simplistic even.” I tell him. “The reason Nobility must be destroyed isn't merely because of their actions but because the outcome of their failure or success is disastrous for the Empire, horrifying.”

“Go on.” The Exemplar encourages.

“They can grow according to two paths, either greed wins out and they become frail enough to self-destruct while causing untold damage to people, or their ruthlessness wins and you will end up with a self-sustaining system that grows mad, unfeeling, rulers resembling Suxen.” I tell him. “Without empathy, they would use any means to fulfill their ambitions.”

“According to you, that would make us stronger.” Siegfried notes.

“It would.” I say with a grunt. “Humanity as we know it would end. Imagine for a moment a land of slaves who have little to no education in flow, sent to the mines and fields from the moment they can walk to provide their energy so that their parents work longer days. The old would be sent to the battlefield to become batteries for an army of zealots brainwashed with drugs to be unfeeling soldiers akin to drones.”

“That isn't possible, it can't happen.” The Exemplar denies.

“If a slightly cowardly, but reckless, girl like me can become Jessica Freepath. If a woman such as Elizabeth Vil can rise from innocence and grow to embrace slaughter...” I trail off. “Then who's to say what humans, as a species, can become? Who is to say the widespread distorted empathy humans currently live with is something we are born with or learn as we grow up?” I question.

“There is another path for Nobility to pursue which is that of...” Siegfried starts arguing.

“Hypocrisy.” I cut him off.

“... enlighten me.” The old man cordially replies.

“To be benevolent as a ruler while restricting the freedom of your subjects is akin to a kidnapper bringing meals to those they've imprisoned.” I utter with a sharp voice. “Oppression is not always felt by those who are ruled but that does not change the fact that they are being treated as chattel.”

“You oppose this, yet you say that the Empire must devolve as a civilization to fight for its survival.” Siegfried notes.

“There is more than one way to become stronger.” I tell him. “The system I've described is one of complete oppression, optimized to drain every last drop of potential out of the people it manages. Eventually, those living under it will become no more than beasts of burden while those who manage it will eliminate those of them that aren't ruthless enough or become threats to it.”

“You imply that, in this system, our Emperor would be killed.” Siegfried utters with a frigid voice.

“He may be immortal, but he is human. He is not undying.” I respond.

“He is Chosen of the Lake.” The Exemplar counters with a sharp voice.

“But the Lake itself leaves us free to make our choices with the tools it provides.” I argue, raising my hand to show him a fire construct and using it to burn a few almost transparent hairs from my arm.

“Let us agree to disagree.” Siegfried says. “Continue.”

“Such a ruthless Empire ruled by Nobility is not the only system that can make us stronger.” I say. “In fact, the maintenance of the system itself consumes manpower to keep people in check. If people rule themselves, if they are united in their differences by a set of values like the pursuit of freedom and justice, and incentivized to participate in the well-being and prosperity of the whole, then we become strong enough not to need ruthless methods to survive.”

“Hm.” The old man mumbles. “I suppose the fact our survival isn't at risk makes it worse for you to witness Nobles overreaching without punishment and the Empire showing no sign of change.”

“It does.” I confirm.

“Then, you are naive.” The Exemplar utters. “There is a fragile balance between species and it may take only an opening for both Rykz and Lisilese to cause damage our species will never recover from.”

“The former does not wish our end and the latter cannot occupy our lands.” I contest. “Now is the time for a change.”

“Even if that were true, and I doubt things are so simple, weakening us as a species so as to make us useful to suppress the other but no threat to them is still a solution for these two species.” Siegfried explains.

“Which is why we must change and become stronger but also dedicated to our people so that war does not become our sole purpose, which will result in an outcome just as undesirable as Nobility becoming unfeeling monsters.” I tell him.

“Ah, perhaps not so naive then.” The old man nods with a smile.

His reaction to my response, and general lack of disagreement towards my words throughout the conversation, surprises me. Yet, before I can ask, the Exemplar walks up ahead to reunite with the runaways.

I turn to the north-east, towards the center of Hetlan, and head there with the full intention of being seen from the castle walls. I can't go too far from the runaways even though they'll enter the Duchy tomorrow. Unexpectedly, Rowland decides to follow me so I stop.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Did you mean what you said? That the Empire would be stronger if it turned on its people?” He questions.

“Yes, and it would be.” I tell him. “It would be ruled by zealots who believe to be a species apart from the 'beasts' they rule. Many people already believe themselves inferior to Nobles from birth, it wouldn't take much indoctrination to make them worship ruthless but efficient leaders.”

“I don't believe it's plausible.” He comments.

“If it isn't, than humans as a species will be doomed if Nobility isn't destroyed because the Empire can't be ever victorious and, someday, they'll revolt.” I tell him. “The reason the Emperor fears them is that they control the heart of the Empire. The phalanxes could win every battle only to lose the war if they rebel. In villages, people believe strongly in the Emperor and the Order, but it's questionable that those who live in cities would rise in revolt against Nobility.”

With these words, I turn away and leave him. In a way, the speculations I've shared are fearmongering because it's entirely possible the Empire which has persisted as it is for centuries to continue doing so.

Yet, my instinct and intellect tell me that there is an aspiration for change in the air. Both Leomi and the King are representatives of that change whilst the Emperor could be said to be silent in the capital, focused on the Empire's borders.

--- --- ---

The previous day went by without incident other than the usual scouts sent after me. I allowed them to keep following me as I led them away from the group of runaways and turned back in the dead of night, leaving them lost alone in the plains.

Set around the runaway camp, I spot five light gray faces. I send Rowland and Nahl to knock them out as well as tie them up. The endeavor seems meaningless since they always find us again but it takes them time and the delay is what has allowed us to make it this far.

I head straight south to find elevated ground. I walk to the top of a hill and pause as I find three groups of fires out in the distance. One south, one east, and one west.

This isn't good, they've placed their bets on gathering enough troops to overwhelm me and catch them around the border. I turn away and push myself to fast-walk back to the camp so as to sleep to then leave early in the morning before sunrise.

I pick a spot atop a hill but then pause before settling down because Liz is nervous. Speak, sister. They can't get caught and returned to Meiridin, they could be blamed for what we'll do later. You're asking me to stay behind to delay our pursuers. If necessary, please, I... can't. I will.

I sit down and light up a small fire with my energy. I take out ink, parchment, and quill. I set the brand new roll, one of my very last, on my knees and start writing while using the base of my palm to hold it still.

What are you doing? Making sure I leave something of value behind if this is the end of the line for us. I'm, I'm not asking you to... It's okay, Liz, they're important to you so I'll make sure they make it. ... Thank you.

'Revolutions begin with the rejection of the status quo and the belief that it can be made better if those in charge are changed. Small revolts have often occurred in the Empire's past yet never lasted because they were isolated with the Noble at fault often replaced by another from a different house through the intervention of Kingdom or Empire. Such uprisings were doomed for failure yet they have taught me to look to the end-goal first before taking actions so as to ensure success.

For a revolution against Nobility to be successful in the scope of a Kingdom or the Empire, then it requires either peaceful absorption of Nobles into a new system or ruthless extermination of those that do not yield their privileges and power, those who do not give up positions they've obtained through birth whoever they may be. Any indecisive path that does not follow either of these two options will almost certainly result in an extensive civil war in the future.

The first option, while relatively bloodless at first, may also result in a future civil war as there will always be those who call for a return to the old system. The latter option will necessarily involve triggering a civil war but the timing of it can be chosen so as to lead to a quick and decisive end to the conflict.

Either path one chooses, actions must be taken by people decisive enough not to give up and too wide-spread to contain. Individual successes are secondary to these two prerequisites, it is best to win in two out of five engagements across a Duchy than it is to win one large engagement because, once rebel forces are concentrated, then a revolt will be equated to a fight and reduced to success or defeat on the battlefield.

There is also the issue that concentrating forces makes it easier for those forces to be destroyed. It is best to focus on obtaining several isolated victories so as to increase the shock value. As for the method to obtain these victories, I will summarize an essay I wrote here.

The access of titled Nobles comes from the pledges that each of their subjects make to transfer a hundredth of their flow regeneration to them. That, in practice, means that a simple peasant can overpower the ruler of a Barony by storing a month of their regeneration and attacking when said Noble has only a few days of energy with them.

A group of low born rebels can, with patience, destroy the myth of Nobility's superiority and Lake-given right to rule that has been fractured during this past half-year in Caeviel.

As for justification for this revolt, you can name injustices but there is no need to look any further than this. Nobles have no right to impose their taxes or days of forced labor upon you with naught in return than protection they rely on sons and daughters of ours to provide through their sacrifices on the front-lines.

Once victory is achieved, seek Arbitration from the Templar Order, demand the right to rule yourselves and directly provide your taxes, squandered by Nobles, to your Emperor Rasaec so that he may use the coin with your Due to protect the Empire as he always has but do not stop there.

Prepare yourselves for battle against Nobility to retain your independence. Learn more constructs, stockpile your energy, and ensure the Order is aware you refuse to live under oppression, that you seek naught more than to be recognized as freemen and freewomen of the Empire.

If but a few revolts succeed, and but a few of those retain independence, then Nobility will no longer be the only option for people and low born at large will finally learn what it is to be free. There will be runaways to join these bastions and the victories will cause revolts to occur more easily elsewhere. There will be tragedies, and these tragedies will fuel the anger and desire to rise in revolt of those who were previously cowed into submission but have heard of freedom being obtained elsewhere. In the end, the shift in culture will be unstoppable, inescapable.'

I look to the north as I let the piece of parchment dry. There are gigantic silhouettes of mountains and no sign of light. I sigh and hope that I'll find a pass tomorrow to block our pursuers.

--- --- ---