It was mind numbing work. Furstinna stood up one day and looked out across the rows she'd help build. Until Furstinna had participated in this work duty she'd never realized what it took to feed a person let alone a group of people. Vegetables were at least five producing plants for each person. Five hundred people in Refuge equaled two thousand five hundred plants. This didn't account for fruits, trees, and tubers like potatoes and beets which you would double and sometimes triple the amount per person. Then there was corn and grain to be planted.
The 'earth steward' took his job very seriously and Kvinna appreciated it, otherwise they would starve. Every opportunity was made to save and store food, but one bad season would wreak havoc on Refuge's carefully planned system. When she'd asked him if a crop season had ever failed he'd muttered, "We've been extremely lucky as long as I've lived here."
Furstinna had chewed holes in her cheek to stop from speaking out during every discussion she heard around her. A general disdain for the Rahis of Elyun and the Vakt of Manskliga. The argument against the Vakt were numerous. Too much money allocated, too many resources, too much government investment, for what? Furstinna had squeezed her eyes shut and thought. To keep you free, to keep you safe, to keep you able to wander across Varlid to Refuge to set up your experiment in living, she wanted to yell at them. Do you really think you could have done that without the Vakt?
Tuva had noticed Furstinna's discomfort and winked. When she was out working in the fields Tuva had picked up a hoe and started talking. "You shouldn't be afraid of voicing your opinions with others here. Conflict in society is inevitable and sometimes even desirable. I think the Manskliga have made the mistake of using the Vakt to negotiate all our conflicts instead of just the important ones because it is commonly thought that violence works quickly."
"We lost the Varlid war," Furstinna said. "Violence didn't work then at all."
"Do you think our cause was just?" Tuva asked.
"To hold on to lands that traditionally were ours against invaders, yes."
"What of the Vartalf and Padda? They held the land before the Manskliga rose to power."
Furstinna let her mouth slide into an easy smile. "That was before my time."
"What did we do to them to conquer this land, I wonder?"
"I'm sure our forefathers did whatever was necessary and we're here to enjoy the fruits of it so I can't very well condemn their choices."
"This is a conflict-filled world and societies should have the capability to defend themselves. Refuge is not waiting until the outside world is more cooperative or that forces like the Vakt disappear or that justice and equality exist before there is any action. There will always be a need for the Vakt."
Furstinna nodded in agreement.
"But," Tuva continued. "The use of violence is not always just. Especially when it is concentrated in the hands of the few. How many citizens of Manskliga participate in the Vakt?"
"A small percentage?" Furstinna guessed.
"A very small percentage. What if civilians were able to defend themselves?"
"You mean, arm everyone?"
"Goddess no, I can't hit the broad-side of a wall. Civilian defense would be nonviolent at its core. Surely Kunskap encouraged discussion such as this?"
"He disappeared right when I was supposed to become a part of these discussions. To be honest I don't see it's practicality in any kind of defense."
"Nonviolence is rooted in a citizen's general disposition to be stubborn, to be tempted to do what is forbidden, and to refuse to do what has been ordered."
"To what end?"
"We're talking about shifting away from reliance on the use of force as strength and instead a society that is strong and able to organize. Would you be willing to attack a society that is able to undermine the use of force?"
Furstinna shook her head. "I don't follow you."
Tuva patiently continued. "Nonviolence does not act less quickly than violence, it is not coming from a place of weakness. It can be so powerful that it disintegrates the power base of a government. All governments need the assistance of citizens to rule. Without this cooperation they have no power, no authority, no legitimacy."
"What do citizens control that the government can't simply take?"
"Oh, everything! They have to obey, cooperate, and assist a government with their knowledge, resources, skills. The wielding of power is a very fragile thing without the cooperation of those being ruled over."
"I thought nonviolence simply meant to not use violence. I don't see how civilians by just standing around not using violence can change anything let alone defend themselves from anything."
"There are two things that must exist for nonviolence to work. A citizen must have the willingness to defy authority and to work to undermine sources of power for that authority if need be. Remember, everyone is basically stubborn, likes to do what they've been told they cannot do and what it has been told is forbidden to do."
"You're assuming that a citizen's basic stubborn nature will do all that?"
"Maybe. Lets assume civilians are organized to disobey, distract, disorganize. They would be more focused on the original outcomes of the conflict rather than how much damage was done to the enemy. This would lead to fewer casualties and less destruction. It would reduce the size of the government and money spent on forces such as the Vakt. Right now all gains we've made have been due to spending and maintaining the Vakt. The Skal for instance, it was first produced so the Vakt commanders would have a faster way to communicate with each other. Civilians would have to ask themselves, what are we acting for and why?"
Furstinna chopped at the ground with her hoe. "It seems very... ."
"Unrealistic." Tuva said with a grin.
"You said it, not me." Furstinna kicked a rock in front of her than bent to pick it up. Better to carry it to the rock pile then have to dig it up later. "I just don't see any concrete actions that could be taken that would lead to change. Real change."
"It is easier to destroy than to create."
"I only had to work in the fields for one day to know that is absolutely true."
"So you never made a conscious decision to follow Kunskap?"
Furstinna looked out across Refuge. "No, I've been thrown in feet first I guess. I'm trying to understand. Even though the work is hard I enjoy it... sometimes."
Tuva said patting Furstinna on the shoulder. "As for concrete actions there is a list. We keep trying to add ideas. Read it sometime, maybe you'll add a few of your own. What's your next work assignment?" Tuva asked.
"I'm going to try and move inside for a while. Maybe take up sewing." Furstinna waved as she walked toward the shed being sure to drop the rock in the pile next to it.
***
Kvinna watched Furstinna and Tuva part ways while she tut-tutted some sheep close to her. Why the Dold were so worried about this conclave was beyond her. There wasn't a single weapon to be found. She'd used her time outdoors to search every part of the small island. There wasn't a part of Refuge she didn't have access to besides some private rooms. Kvinna had been silent and watchful. She'd listened to Furstinna rail against Refuge discussions, quick to offer a friendly ear.
Kvinna had confirmed that most of the citizens of Refuge harbored a crazy idea that ordinary citizens through nonviolence could upset the balance of power in Varlid. The Stark Harskare family had ruled the Manskliga and most of Varlid for centuries. But the Refuge discussions talked about a time before Stark Harskare had come to rule. A time when communities worked together without a central ruler. A time when things were done differently. Ridiculous. Kvinna sighed. A waste of time. This mission was an utter waste of her time.
Kvinna thought the last act she'd committed towards righting the outcome of the Varlid War was months ago when she'd killed Lurazat. Even that was tied to Refuge and Kunskap and... she sighed again. It was time to leave Refuge but until their group was made full-fledged members, Kvinna didn't see how she could escape. She jabbed her
stick at a sheep passing too close to her. The sooner she could get to the Dold and report back the sooner they could move forward to take back Varlid.
***
Caj had met with Maja in her room at least once a week for months since Befrielse's group had arrived. "We can't deny them member status for much longer without arousing suspicion," Caj said.
"Tuva just reported in. We believe Furstinna is the weakest member but not an infiltrator. Not someone who would have done any of this on purpose. Certainly not involved with Kunskap's disappearance or Lurazat's death." Maja asked.
"And the others? Several have worked well within Refuge, even paired off with members."
"Except Kvinna."
"She has kept to herself. Other than that she's been exemplary."
Silence ticked by. Maja rubbed her eyes, the first sign of weariness Caj had seen in years. "So we make them members?" Caj asked.
Yes, but I can't help feeling trouble will follow soon after."
Caj reached forward to rub her back. Maja took hold of his hand instead and gave it a squeeze. "It's time. They will become members and we will start moving out of Refuge," Maja said.
"Then this is what we've been working towards. Don't look so worried!"
"Not everyone will want to move back into the world. What if they're not ready? What will they do? How will they survive?"
Caj laughed. "The citizens here have more skills than most in Varlid. They'll make do and form communities. Galen are there for the settling."
"With the Vartalf and Padda, not to mention the Grampas?"
"We've learned as much as we can. There is no sense to what we've done if we never put it into practice. No one will be forced out of Refuge. This will simply be another option." Caj withdrew his hand from Maja's and stood. "I'm off to teach a class and make sure everyone is as ready as they can be."
Caj strolled to the hilltop where one hundred Refuge citizens sat waiting. He spotted Kvinna with Ganska in the front row. "Lets begin. I'm going to go through the phases one at a time, then you're going to repeat it back to a partner. Remember you need to be aware of the possibility of alienation from within and without. Also we're not talking about waiting for a change of attitude by those in power. The most likely outcome will be compromise on both sides. Nevertheless, nonviolent struggle can be so strong and skillfully targeted through the Phases and Ninety-nine Ways that it weakens the opposition or causes it's outright downfall. Above all plan your actions so that success is possible through your own actions and not relying on outside forces.
Phase one. Take an assessment of both sides. What is at stake? Analyze the different systems the population have at their disposal. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the conflict. Identify which source of power can be weakened or removed. What is the time frame? Not everyone will participate at the same level all the time. Alright, take a moment and repeat this with your partner." Caj paced between pairs and small groups listening and offering comments.
Kvinna rolled her eyes.
Ganska giggled and pushed her shoulder. "Come on, you can do it. This is at least the fifth meeting I've been too."
Caj began again pausing after a recap of each Phase for the citizens to repeat back to each other. "Phase two. Don't miss the overall picture. Can your objectives be achieved in one campaign or does it need to be broken down. Maybe the objective is too broad, does that need to be changed? The Ninety-nine Ways is a list of methods but you'll need to decide which ones will work the best and for how long.
Phase three. Once you've selected those methods are you sure they can be implemented by the citizens you're working with? If not what do you need to change, strengthen? Are there outside influences you can use but not rely on?"
During this call and repeat break, Kvinna asked Ganska, "Why are we memorizing this? I thought all of it was written down in the Refuge library."
The corners of Ganska's mouth drew down as she shook her head. "I don't know. I think it's part of their overall plan not to have just one leader or even a small group of people with all the knowledge but rather spread it out as widely as possible."
Caj raised his voice. "Just two more Phases and then we're done. Phase four. When you plot your strengths and weaknesses on both sides of a conflict make sure you match them up in your favor. Look for methods and broader activities that strengthen the movement. Make sure all methods are conducted without violence. Plan for access to resources. Keep opponents off-balance by sticking to the methods of nonviolence. Act, don't react. If something isn't working, change it.
And finally Phase five. How did you do? Plan for the future you've created. Any questions?"
A voice in the back asked, "I've asked for a list of the Ninety-nine ways but they're saying it's been destroyed."
A disagreeable murmur rose up from the crowd.
"Yes, that is happening."
The murmur rose to angry shouts.
Caj held up his hands. "We've decided to move to an oral history instead of a written one. Just for the time being."
"You're saying we can't write it down?"
"For the time being we're asking nothing be written down. In the future this might change."
"What community discussion took place about this change? I must have missed it," a Manskliga stated followed by sounds of agreement from those around him.
Caj opened his mouth to speak, but someone shouted. "Look!" Caj turned. A huge ball of white light hung in the air above the island.
***
Kvinna grabbed Ganska's hand. The huge ball of light started to descend. She heard cries of 'Run!' but there was no where to run. The ball of light grew bigger. It was going to descend on Refuge. Kvinna covered her eyes and when it didn't seem the light could get any brighter, the world exploded.
Kvinna squinted as her vision cleared and particles of soil and rock rained down on her. She shook her head since what her eyes were telling her couldn't possibly exist. There was a large chunk of earth above her. There were Manskliga pulling others up. Then there was a scream and a Manskliga went hurtling past her. Kvinna swiveled her head to follow his descent when Ganska cried out.
"Kvinna! Help me!"
Kvinna threw herself halfway off the edge of the chunk of earth she was on and they grabbed forearms. "Hold on, I've got you!"
Kvinna couldn't tell which side was up. The island of Refuge appeared to have broken up into large chunks. Instead of the whole island sliding off into the Bred Hav, masses of intact pieces floated at various levels in the air. Amazingly the city of Refuge itself was intact. Kvinna started to pull Ganska up when a violent tremor rocked the chunk they were on. Ganska lost her footing. The only thing stopping her fall to the depths below was Kvinna's arm. "Just hold on!" Kvinna strained to pull her up.
"Tell Furstinna, I'm sorry," Ganska cried.
Kvinna shouted, another Manskliga joined to help pull Ganska to safety. "Tell her yourself!" she said as they both lay panting on solid ground.
***
Kvinna walked the edge of the torn off chunk of Refuge. Other different sized chunks floated past until eventually they slowed to a stop. They were stranded. There was no way to jump to another piece, they floated too far apart. Other citizens of Refuge were in similar situations. They yelled back and forth to each other, all ignorant of what had caused the destruction. Kvinna knew. It had to be the Vapen. Why hadn't they invaded? Why blow apart something they didn't understand or even know about? Why not wait for her to report in? With those questions heavy on her mind she lay down in the middle of the floating island and fell asleep.
Ganska's shouting woke her. Kvinna sat up to see a Manskliga waving to them from one side of the floating island. A shiny white portal had opened up. An exact copy of the portal she'd used to first enter Refuge.
"Hurry! These aren't stable. I don't know how long it'll stay open," the Manskliga yelled.
Kvinna stumbled to her feet and they ran and dove head first through the portal. She landed
on solid ground on the other side. Ganska right behind her. A small group of Manskliga were there to greet them. Kvinna learned that while she slept a force of Vakt had entered Refuge through the main portal. The main bridge and the city of Refuge itself were still standing. After the Vakt entered the city, portals began appearing on the different floating sections. They stayed open for a short amount of time and seemed to have a pattern they were still trying to figure out.
"All we can do is wait. We're trying to work our way back to the city and gather as many survivors as we can."
The fields that Furstinna and the others had labored so long in were broken up and scattered. It is easier to destroy than to create. When they landed on one of these floating islands they gathered as much food as they could and waited to jump. The river that wound through Refuge now cascaded down through several floating islands so that it resembled a giant, hand-carved waterfall. Once they were within a portal of reaching Refuge, Kvinna looked back at what was left. The land was still beautiful but broken like a colorful picture reflected in a fractured mirror.
The Vakt greeted them when they stepped through the final portal. Kvinna recognized Dold operatives among the leaders and knew better than to draw attention to herself. When they wanted her they would make a scene and separate her from the group.
The remaining food was confiscated and they were herded into the city. On the bottom floor, Maja stood beneath the tree, a noose around her neck. Nervous glances and whispers spread among those gathered, the Vakt had killed all the Elyun and the Mikachiari had been moved to another area.
A Vakt stepped forward from the shadows below and set his foot on the stool that Maja was standing on. He tilted it making Maja scramble to keep her footing. Silence descended like a blanket.
"Now that I have your attention. You have all been declared traitors to Rike. However, we are prepared to show leniency to those that assist us. We have entered this illegal stronghold but it seems there is a key needed to get out. What is that key?"
Maja cleared her throat. "You damaged the portal when you attacked us. We're all trapped here." Her voice was ragged and deep hollows surrounded her eyes. She had stood there for at least a day if not longer.
Crowning Fantasy Book 1 Page 13