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The psychology of Swords themselves ended their nine-thousand year reign. The tendency in people to identify and emulate figures of authority is strong. Hence, when an object becomes the literal and figurative source of authority, the society governed by that authority reflects the values embodied by that object. One value that the Swords embodied was dominion over others. Investing a weapon like the Swords with such absolute authority condemned civilization to a nine-thousand year history of bloodshed and violence. What continues to puzzle historians today is that the sovereignty of the Swords lasted so long.—The Fall of the Swords, by Keeping Track.
“Listen, my love,” Leaping Elk said. “I don't know if Seeking Sword will return in time, so I need you to tell him something for me.”
I
