A Soldier's Due

[Ioannes]

Journal Entry: Maribeh 10, IY 7788
     A Time where the Great Caliph is honored

     A painful few days. Colmes finally pushed me through the Gauntlet. About damned time; too few of us actually putting in work, and it shows. Lawless streets. The butchers have the run of it. They aren't worth any more than the camel shit on my damned boots, and yet we have to kow-tow and play nice with these bandits living large in the Krak des Roses. Their Balestriere tried to put down a Warrior before the Pyramid, I did my job, and now their Recluta turn their nose in my direction for it. I suppose it's my fault for acting surprised. Or caring in the first place.

    Hope it makes them feel better about their lot. Fodder for the meat grinder, so that wretched woman can step over their corpses when the dust settles and claim some small victory at the expense of their worthless lives.

    Worse yet, it's how the civilians treat you once you put on the Sultan's green. Ungrateful bastards, every single one. Take the thief's hand, cast him out the door, and what does the victim do? Curses you. Turns you aside. Says you'll have to work harder if you ever want to be in his good graces again. Do I look like that corpulent wastrel? I'm not responsible for what he did. But surely, it's the entire Legion responsible for the actions of one man. Even the Legate. Whispering about corruption in our ranks, and how he'll hold us accountable. I'd like to see him try. I keep my nose clean, I try to help the common man, and this is what I get for it. Spit in my face.

    I understand why the Fourth raises the Old Curse. We're scorned and hated for nothing more than our duty. How tiresome it must get. No wonder Colmes and Reyer seem so sick of it all. What good is this careful balancing act of theirs, when all that becomes of it is the Rose trampling over us? Just clench your teeth and smile.

    They need to be shown their place.