[ IP ] The World is Against Me

`` Sir,'' I said, staring over the hills at the massive army the Emperor had gathered, `` We're down to barely a hundred men. We stand no chance against their force.'' 
 
 The Commander grasped his hands behind his back, nodding slowly, `` This is true. Leading you men against them would be foolish.'' He turned, smiling beneath his gray, full beard. `` That's why you're going to lead the men on the retreat.'' 
 
 My voice caught in my throat, `` But, sir... Father... You face an army.'' 
 
 `` I know, son.'' He raised his hand and gripped my shoulder. `` The world is against me. Always has been.'' He smiled, then, with the twinkle in his eyes I remembered from childhood. `` It would n't be fair otherwise.''
