A Man at Arms

by Steven Pressfield

“In the wilderness,” said Timothy, “all in need are aided, as each himself may one day be in need of aid.”

“If we cannot believe in things beyond what our senses deliver, then we’re no better than these animals and there is no hope for any of us. That is the difference between a man and a beast: we can perceive that which is not, and strive, if not to bring it forth into reality, then to enter it as spirit. I pity you, brother. You have yourself and nothing more.”

“With respect, Timothy, I must take issue with your interpretation. Your vision, if one were to believe in such things, may mean the exact opposite—not that you were called to bring me back to safety, but that you were sent to succor me so that I might go forward. “I have survived the cross,” the man-at-arms said, “not to abandon my mission but to see it through.”