The Hour of the Sheep

The master swordsman, Tiero of Trin, begins a manuscript suggested by the President-Protector.  Knowing that his book will be distributed widely, he concerns himself with producing a respectable work.  Tiero recalls lessons in pedagogy taken from his father.

Tiero reviews his first chapter, a meditation on the five phases of swordsmanship – from the relaxed Hour of the Sheep to the frenetic Hour of the Wolf.  Looking over a draft table of contents, Tiero begins drafting a new section on the tactics and weapons of adversaries.

Setting his pen down, Tiero lets his mind wander over the details of the finished product, its cover and binding.  He begins to worry that the book will engender questions about his own combat experience, which has been limited to academic exercises and high-profile duels.

Determined to seek out a real-world conflict, Tiero examines his electric blade and sets off to the city’s most dangerous neighborhood.

Tiero roves the quarter, spoiling for a fight but finds no suitable challenger.  He enters a brothel, argues with one of the women, and faces off against a bouncer before returning to the streets.