Arrows & Ribbons

It was early 17th century. Christina, the Queen of Sweden was charting a plan of attack on the neighbouring states who seem to have gone berserk with their new-found weapon, a canon that can spit fire. Her kingdom was split into three regions for administrative purpose. She had appointed three of her most trustworthy people as the Generals of regions, Geith, Juan and Tresa.

All three were now standing in front of the Queen with a large map of the area laid in front of them on the grand old table made from English Oak. The war strategy was finalized together, and Christina gave them one final command. At any cost, do not surrender. The tactical plans were left to the Generals to deploy.

Off they went, to join their respective troops who were kept on high alert ever since the incursions from the enemy were announced. Tresa and Juan had a perfectly synchronized understanding of the attack, but history will not say the same about Geith. He was an unusual character.

As the Generals led their troops to the borders, they passed through multiple small villages, many of them within the confines of forests typical to the region. Tresa and Juan ensured that the villagers were well cared for and kept them informed about the plan. Both knew very well about the importance of having the villagers on their side. Geith just marched on, ignoring the wishes and occasional requests from the villagers he passed by.

Once they were way past the villages, a deep and dense forest stood between them and the border. Geith could not help but notice both Tresa and Juan shooting their arrows to the trees enroute. These arrows had coloured ribbons tied to their tail end. It never occurred to Geith to ask why they were doing so. Halfway into their journey the three had to split ways and agreed to meet up at a common point further ahead. Little did they know that the enemy troops were much more advanced than what they thought!

The three Generals went further ahead in their respective paths. But before they could merge the troops at the crossroads, the enemy struck. Tresa was the first one to face the brunt. The brave young lady she was, did her best to defend the attack along with her soldiers. After a while they had to retreat though. Similar story unfolded for Juan. Two hours later his troops along with their General met Tresa at a common point, the casualty was minimal.

Unfortunately, the story was different for Geith. His men faced an ambush attack at another crossroad deep in the jungle. While they tried their best, the army took a heavy toll. They could not withstand the attack for long and decided to retreat to safety. They looked at their General for the return path. That was when Geith realized that he was totally lost. Without the help of the arrows and ribbons he could not figure out the way they came.

He tried his luck asking a few of the villagers, but with an attitude of rejection they experienced earlier, it was no surprise that they chose not to help Geith and his men. That unfortunately was the last the world ever heard of Geith and his troops.

Juan and Tresa along with their army were guided by arrows and bows as well as the villagers and returned safely to the Queen where they planned subsequent course of action. The legacy of Sweden lived on.

PS: If this story has any resemblance to anything you see in your office, it is purely intentional. The biggest lesson Geith taught us is not to forget our past and the people who helped you become who you are.