Codex - Foundation in the Dark Years

Section 1
"Foundation in the Dark Years - A Book Review of Aswand's Bandini Wars - The True Story, by Professor Lei Martovlin, University of Muskdog." "I'm going to be looking through Aswand's take on the Bandini Wars of 559-636. Let me preface by saying that I have the utmost respect for Aswand, both as a human being, and as a fellow citizen of Ten-Rui. I am also happy to acknowledge the great contribution her homeland of Gall has made to the advancement of science, and continue to marvel at how such a tiny island nation continues to excel despite its overwhelming lack of morals in regard to technology." "I digress from my review of The Bandini Wars - The True Story in which I contend the scholarship of Aswand, who is an absolute disgrace to the very word University. To introduce myself, I am Lei Martovlin, Foundation's greatest living historian, in his ninetieth year, with no time left to mince words." "Her book was a difficult read, actually no, a fiasco. In part because Aswand for some reason decides not to have the Gallish translated to Ishgiru by an expert, but attempts (and fails) to do it herself. Also, because she is scandalously presumptuous, lazy and demented, with no appreciation of factual evidence, or the merest understanding of context."

Section 3
"Many question the value of ancient history, but I draw your attention to current events. Look at the labour camps, are they not the legacy of Alkabar's arrogance? The lack of Saborian guilt carries over from that assault in antiquity, when the peace of central Amum was disrupted. This is not of course to excuse the actions of the present leaders of Sabor, or to gloss over the obvious hypocrisy at the heart of their system. Nor am I suggesting that the modern Bandini, characteristically apologetic, are in any way at fault for the actions or their predecessors." "Iin 559, the disparate cities of Sabor were taken by surprise, as the Bandini, led by Alkabar, crossed what is now known as the Yellow Blood river, through the Amum mountains via skeleton pass, and ravaged the Saborian desertlands. They burned villages, looted farms, and used captives as shields. Worst of all, they set fire to, and gutted the city of Cherno, over which the modern settlement of Conos now sits. The terrifying assault was unprecedented and unexpected. Rumour has it that Epilomelos, a very small man, wobbled atop three wooden crates as he addressed an anxious crowd gathered at Momoros. He had invited diplomats from Redusa to witness the reaction of the crowd to his speech."

Section 4
"Epilomelos' speech was one of togetherness and community. First and foremost, he argued that their land was hard to defend from outsiders, with its many subdivisions, borders, and isolated cities. Recent internal squabbles had not helped prepare against a large-scale invasion. He suggested that a combined 'Sabor' could put an end to the Bandini threat, and do more still besides. The speech received an ovation, and the die was cast." "Epilomelos was elected general of the armies of Sabor. He began by pincering the Bandini by unloading troops on the northern shore near the border, so as to get in behind the raiders. Soon after a massacre occured. The Bandini surrendered, but it made no difference, as the Saborians killed all their prisoners." "Sabor's transformation from disparate cities to one nation was only just the beginning. Epilomelos, by this time, was already determinedly idealistic. His rally to the Saborians was 'Why suffer like this, when we can prevent war, famine, and chaos with togetherness?' Epilomelos showed Sabor that it was possible to make something better, something pure."

Section 5
"Within six months, The Saborians had mobilised a large army, and stormed into Bandinia, though there was fierce fighting in the mountain passes, there were simply too many Saborians. Once they had reached Darat, they systematically executed any remaining males (for it was felt that the decision to raid Sabor was a result of Bandinia's war-like and macho governance). A memorial was erected in Darat, a gigantic pillar, topped with a sculpture of a lamb and its shepherd (it has toppled in the 19th century) and was considered a universal symbol of peace, but also a symbol of submission. The Saborians wanted to portray themselves as shepherds to a wayward Bandini flock."