June 3rd, 2014
AUTHOR: Rotifora
June 3rd, 2014
June 1750
"England, what is more important in running an empire, the strength within its government or the loyalty of its colonies?"
America asked as he was sawing a large white pine he had felled earlier. Canada was having a hard time keeping up with his pace and needed time to recover under the diminishing shade the forest provided; it was nearing nightfall. England sat on a stump off to the edge of the clearing supervising their progress. The three were secluded quite a distance from the nearest settlement near Fort William Henry in order to avoid complications. England did not want the settlers to see more of America's feats of inhuman strength. He was getting weary of constant witch hunts toward his colony. Though at times it proved entertaining listening to the wild stories the colonist made up to explain America's accidental slips when he enters a town's local pub. He wonders what stories they will come up with once the logging company moves in tomorrow to this area and witnesses large sections cleared off overnight.
Earlier England remarked on Canada's lack of strength yet surplus of obedience while comparing America's surplus of strength yet lack of obedience when America voiced his question. To say the least England was quiet for a moment searching for an appropriate answer.
"I am not sure" was all England could quietly reply. Knowing that America would be dissatisfied with such a response he cleared his throat and firmly stated so that the noise of the sawing would not drown out his " what would a colony find most important, the strength of empire or loyalty to her?"
America stopped his rhythm and simply stated, "Loyalty to me. It matters not if said empire is weak because as long as the loyalty is mutual than all is fine."
An empire also has fewer complications if her colonies are loyal.
Canada rose from his futile spot as night fell and joined his brother in chopping the branches off of a lesser pine as he too quietly voiced in broken English, "A weak empire cannot protect its colonies."
England assumed Canada was referring to France and how he refuses to add more permanent settlements on his lands to counter England's continual advances, or he should say the colonists.
"Don't worry Canada. England is really strong, in fact he is the strongest so you will be safe with us when France gives up. Right, England?" America proudly claimed as he rested the ax over his right shoulder, having finished with the day's quota and smiling so wide that it reached his eyes. How England envied that part of America so carefree yet sure of the world's order. He would blame himself for instilling that untested confidence on America if he could but he can't. It came natural to America and it was why he was chosen instead of France all those decades ago. America trusts and confides in me.
"Of Course I am the strongest and most cunning. France stands no chance against me and will continue on that way if you two don't hurry it up and load all this lumber down to the river. After all an empire must protect its colonies and these timbers will be used for that," England confidently stated.
"How many ships will be built with all that we cut today?" America asked, already hauling easily the white pine he worked on down the river bank where more were waiting to be pushed by the current down to the nearest sawmill.
"A mighty ship of the line I should think and a frigate will do fine with today's efforts. We will continue in a fortnight and finish this section before I head off to London in a months' time." England said, also watching how effortlessly America handled his load. He has grown in strength and stature in my long absence. And his voice is changing to a baritone. Will he still have need of me once he has grown to full maturity and what will I do once that day comes?
England was startled out of his thoughts as America's crestfallen face appeared before him with barely a hands distance and said," Why are you leaving so soon after abandoning for so long here in this wilderness? Don't you miss me anymore? The war in Europe is over so why can't you stay a little longer and rest here with us…with me?"
Reluctantly England stepped back and softly replied, "A war is won by overpowering the enemy and peace is maintained through constant vigilance America. I must return back and build up my reserves and maintain order in Europe else the empire will be no more. You know that." England made sure to teach a little about politics and ruling to America last time he came so that he wouldn't cry at his next leaving. England wonders whether America will cry or be resigned to his eventual departure. England was firm with his next reply, "And don't believe anything France feeds you about me."
"Yes I know."
America was oddly quiet as the three hiked down the path to the nearest settlement for the night. England was tempted to offer a reassuring word to him and decided not to, confident that America understood his place and importance.