believing that while history and the past were delegated to the control
of the unsophisticated whose ways were superstitious and outdated, the
present contains truth in its pure form. Reform and revolution are their
watchwords, for they tinker with the very foundations of society and
life in an attempt to cultivate it. Zimri is their Lord, of the Future,
and they follow him loosely, for he doesn't require the strict adhesion
that Onan does, which suits their independent and relaxed world view
very well."

He went on, in summary, "In a word, the Pastites believe that history,
the reality of the past, governs the present and the future, while the
Futurists believe that the future defines the present and the past."

"I begin to see the differences," I replied in a humble, questioning
manner, "And yet they seem to me to be passive, secondary differences,
the kind that result in a conflict of subtle disagreements here and
there, argued over dessert like tariffs or taxes, not at all violent.
How is it that they take such a prominent role in everyday life that
they can only be resolved by force? What is it that takes it from the
fireside to the battlefield?"

Here I was slightly taken aback by the expression on Bernibus' face, it
was one of surprise mingled with apprehension and questioning. He said,
"Then you do not know?"

"Know what?"

He laughed, "I take it you do not." Becoming solemn again, he continued,
"Our land, Daem is on the edge of ruin, and has been for all of my life
and those of many generations before me. About 530 years ago there was a