The Last Light (The Wandering Inn, #5)

by Pirateaba

“You mean they’re born and are fully cognizant the instant they come out?” Ryoka seemed fascinated, but she was missing the point. Pawn nodded. “The instant a Soldier emerges, he is expected to fight and serve his Hive. He may be sent into battle minutes after he is born. What can he have in those minutes, if not faith that he is dying for a reason?” “For his Hive, you mean. For his queen.” “Yes. But it is not enough. If the Soldier lives, he will fight every day for his Hive. Fight and die, Ryoka Griffin. That is his fate. Fight and die. What can you give him? Money? He has nowhere to spend it. Family? He will never reproduce, and his brethren die with him. An experience? He has never seen the sky.” The young woman sat across from Pawn, staring at him as if she were looking at something horrible or tragic. Pawn felt something surging in his body, something dark, but also… “You tell me faith is not needed. I disagree. When Erin told me of God, of Heaven, it was important. It was necessary. Because what else can the Antinium cling to? What can I give the Soldiers who died for me, if not hope of a place to rest? What can I give a Soldier who will die in moments, if not faith? Tell me, Ryoka Griffin. Why is faith meaningless to the Antinium?” She had no reply. She sat back, looking stunned, and then ashamed. When she did speak, minutes later, it was humbly. “I’m wrong.” Pawn nodded. “Yes. You are.” She nodded as well. “I didn’t know about how the Antinium lived. I guessed, bu...