The first who speaks:
must be a loser - or he would not be here on this occasion;
is lean, dark and somber;
speaks classical Latin;
wears a toga;
expects to fight a battle soon, probably at Philippi;
aims, after the battle, to restore the Republic.
That Republic will not be restored. Instead, an Empire will be built. This must be Brutus?
His companion:
answers the same physical description;
speaks Canadian French;
wears a plaid shirt and faded blue work trousers;
realizes who the other man must be;
claims to be a simple, unlearned metis;
is advised to return to his country because his people need him;
replies that they cry to him for justice...
Is this Louis Riel?
Clearly, I have not read this story closely enough before.
I immediately recognized both Brutus & Louis Riel when I read the story. I was surprised at any non-Canadian including Riel in such a story, but Anderson grew up in nearby parts of the US & has evidently read lots of history of all parts of the earth, which makes it less surprising than from another author.
ReplyDeleteI also recall as scene from "Avatar" where two characters are canoeing on Lake Louise.
Kaoe, Jim!
ReplyDeleteI recognized Brutus but not Louis Riel.
Ad astra! Sean