Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale - Colin McComb

I have led men in the Imperial armies for thirty-nine years in one capacity or another. I did not
rise up through the ranks. I was born into a powerful family and was placed well when it became
apparent that I had an aptitude for leadership. It is a common misconception among the troops
that if they work hard enough, they can achieve the rank I hold. This is untrue. The command of
the armies is a privilege the rich and the wealthy guard jealously, no matter the qualifications of
those below them, and there are still many appointments to the higher ranks made purely the basis
of blood. I admit that a number of these noble appointments are gifted, such as House Cronen's
Count-General Beremany—but I will speak more of him later.
I will say that under my command, the upper echelons of the Imperial armies have
become far more open to skillful men and women who suffered the accident of low birth, and
someday there may yet be a commoner in my position. Not in the waning years of this century,
though possibly in the next, if the Empire lasts that long. My aides and those around me are all of
noble birth, but of the rank below that holds commoners in its arms, and they serve ably. I pass
word of their accomplishments upward when I can. I can only hope that the king will continue to
listen to these praises, should he survive what I have recently discovered.
I understand that I am well loved by those under my command, at least as loved as a
general can be. Though I am stern, and though I enforce a severe discipline among my troops, I
am fair, and I see to it that those deserving reward are rewarded. I ride among them when I am
able, so that they can see I do not despise their sacrifice, though I do not always share their
worship—many of my troops are religious, but I have treated with the High Exegetes and the
ecclesiastical courts, and they are rotten. While the teachings may be sound, the messengers are
not—but I take care to conceal my feelings.
Morale among my people, male and female alike, is generally good, and I work hard to
ensure that it remains as high as possible. I do not take luxuries when my troops suffer hardships.
I go without when they must. I will not have them think that they must suffer so that I may live in
leisure. They already see that when they look at the courtiers of the king. I have little use for
courtiers—they do little honest work in their lives, instead preferring to aggrandize themselves
through the sweat of others.
I toil in the courts of the king when I must, and I do mean toil—I would rather be among
the troops, drilling and training and sweating, than passing among the courtiers who are eager to
be seen reflected in my sometimes-meager glory. The camps are honest.
Colin McComb Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale
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