บท 487: Supplies

"Do you know why the lowest rank of the military is called a private?" Bigni asked.

I blinked. "I have some guesses, but they're probably all wrong. The term is... new... ish, as such things go. I think from just before the Dragon Age."

He nodded. "Hans Grueber, the Bow Hero. It comes from the Itinar word that became privation."

"I don't see how." I said. "Privation is... suffering, is it not?"

"And who suffers more in a military than the rank and file?" He asked.

I squinted. "Slaves, for one."

Bigni chuckled. "Ragnal would never tell you this, but you are no slave. Given time... and training, you might even become a hero."

"I've met heroes." I said. "Most of them are dead."

"Heroes?" he asked. "Plural?"

"Plural." I said. "I met the crew once led by Adara the Blue."

He shook his head. "I've not heard of them. Are you certain they were actual heroes, and not champions with swollen heads?"