Rebuilding is a slow process. First, we must assess the safety of a structure. We don't want a floor to give way or walls to collapse. Often we find we need to tear down the ruins. Demolition is a sad job, as it means we finish what our enemies started. But we do feel better when we cart away the debris. A clean and empty site is a sign of fresh hope. It will be months before the monastery's infrastructure is fixed, and a year or two before its former grandeur is restored.
We do occasionally fin something useful in the rubble. Prayer beads, books, other mementos... But the fire was thorough. Most things of value are smashed, burned, or melted.Many of the weapons we find are useless in their current condition. We salvage the metal and send it to our smiths to be reused -- reforged if possible.
The Forge Master has confided in me that he is using the reclaimed steel to create a new daisho for the Antagonistic Buddha. He is very pleased with his plan.
The Antagonistic Buddha, the Great Sage, leads by example and helps out where he can. He moves from one work crew to another to check on progress, learn of challenges, and inspire the men. He will often lend a hand to the scut work, but he has other duties demanding his attention.
At least once a day, he meets with another knight errant who has been selected to carry the fight to our enemies. These men are given the title of "master," although most are not far enough in their training to carry the responsibility. The Great Sage says it is meant to inspire them; only they can earn the title through their actions. The Antagonistic Buddha has faith in them.
One curious feature of these meetings is that the Antagonistic Buddha always apologizes to the newly elevated master. I do not know why.
In the evenings, the Great Sage will amble away from our tents and practice bojutsu in the moonlight. He is still using the shattered spear shaft. I will sneak after him to watch his kihon, and marvel as he shifts into kata. He will usually start with single person Okinawan kata to warm up, then progress to perform the bo side of two person koryu kata. His practice is eerie, as if the uke is missing. He must know I am watching -- he is the Great Sage -- but he has never invited me to take the uke's side in these kata.
He looks sadder than I have ever seen him before.
We do occasionally fin something useful in the rubble. Prayer beads, books, other mementos... But the fire was thorough. Most things of value are smashed, burned, or melted.Many of the weapons we find are useless in their current condition. We salvage the metal and send it to our smiths to be reused -- reforged if possible.
The Forge Master has confided in me that he is using the reclaimed steel to create a new daisho for the Antagonistic Buddha. He is very pleased with his plan.
The Antagonistic Buddha, the Great Sage, leads by example and helps out where he can. He moves from one work crew to another to check on progress, learn of challenges, and inspire the men. He will often lend a hand to the scut work, but he has other duties demanding his attention.
At least once a day, he meets with another knight errant who has been selected to carry the fight to our enemies. These men are given the title of "master," although most are not far enough in their training to carry the responsibility. The Great Sage says it is meant to inspire them; only they can earn the title through their actions. The Antagonistic Buddha has faith in them.
One curious feature of these meetings is that the Antagonistic Buddha always apologizes to the newly elevated master. I do not know why.
In the evenings, the Great Sage will amble away from our tents and practice bojutsu in the moonlight. He is still using the shattered spear shaft. I will sneak after him to watch his kihon, and marvel as he shifts into kata. He will usually start with single person Okinawan kata to warm up, then progress to perform the bo side of two person koryu kata. His practice is eerie, as if the uke is missing. He must know I am watching -- he is the Great Sage -- but he has never invited me to take the uke's side in these kata.
He looks sadder than I have ever seen him before.
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