Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Old warriors new battles

In our day we retire at an appropriate time some try for 55 some have to at 65 most wish to at 25. In the dark ages when did they retire when did you say okay it is not my job to defend castle and keep. The number of battles that just kept coming at them from Vikings or robbers or those close to them who seach for power. When does a warrior stop and smell the roses? Did it give them such joy or caused them to live more to lift sword and shield to defend what was theirs to defend till they could no longer stand on the field of battle. Can a warrior ever let go without a battle would it be right. I have often thought how easy it would be to lower your guard and let the sword fall or allow the volley of arrows to penetrate the defense of the shield who would know just an old warrior whose reflex slowed with age one who realized the battle was over and it was time to leave the land for the new lords to defend.

These days temptation could be great to stay in that soft warm bed a luxury they did not have, the threat is not the same anymore not clear by tunic or flag who you should battle, few foes have honour or a presence just a name. So has it changed does a warrior have the right not to put his armour on or lift sword and shield to do battle because he is tired. Where is the ice bear and dragon when you need a foe that at least will give honour to a warrior last battle . Perhaps it is best not to look for them but to imagine the mundane to be great foes like the man of la mancha and his windmills.

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