A Free Society of "Slaves"

Stephen Lawhead, one of my favorite authors, has written a fantasy series called The Dragon King Saga. It is made up of three books - In the Hall of the Dragon King, The Warlords of Nin, and The Sword and the Flame. The following is a conversation between the two main characters of the story, Quentin and Toli. Quentin begins his journey as an acolyte in the High Temple; Toli is from a race of people known as the Jher (whose culture is very similar to that of Native Americans). Toli is my favorite character...

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"The Jher believe that every man is responsible for his own life. The Jher are free -- I am free -- we do not suffer any to be masters over us. But a Jher may take a master if he chooses."

Toli's voice rose and the lines of his face began to ease as he continued. "For a Jher to take a master, to serve him in all to the death - this is the highest honor. For to serve a worthy master accounts the servant worthy. Few of my people ever find an opportunity as I have found." He spoke this last part as a boast, his eyes sparkling. "A great master makes his servant great."

"But the danger..."

"He who serves shares his master's portion - danger, death, or triumph. If the master receives honor, so his servant receives much greater honor."

"But I did not ask you to be my servant."

"No," he said proudly. "I chose you."

Quentin shood his head. "What about your people?"

"They will know and rejoice for me." Toli's face beamed with pleasure.

"I do not understand," complained Quentin, though he did not much mind his lack of understanding.

"That is because your people are brought up to believe that serving another is a weakness. It is not out of weakness that one serves, but out of strength."