The Benefits of Friendship

Author's Note: It's always better to have more friends than enemies. However, sometimes you need to turn an enemy into a friend for the good of everyone. Learn how this effects the story "The Battle for Skandia."

Your nation is in danger of being destroyed by another. As one of the higher ranking officials in your government you must figure out plan of action. However, you are greatly outnumbered and the faith of your nation’s people dwindles away. The only way to survive is to have an old enemy become your new ally. This is a decision Erak, a high ranking general, must make in the book the “Battle for Skandia” (Flanagan). He and his apprentice, Horace, must team up with a long time enemy and rival, Halt and his apprentice Will. The bonds that these leaders and apprentices

At first, Halt and the senior war leader Erak are fierce enemies. Their nations oppose each other and coming together to join forces without warning isn’t something they’re pleased about. Constantly bickering between each other about what is the better strategy or tactic, they’re anything but friends. However, when Erak’s tactics fail with numerous casualties he takes the time to listen to Halt’s suggestions. As Erak listens closer he finds that they’re well thought out, very simple, and unexpected by their opponents. He takes to liking Halt and with the new respect that Erak has found for him they become fierce allies with an unbreakable bond.

While the bond of Erak and Halt affects the story greatly, the bond of their apprentices Will and Horace is just as strong and important. The two youthful men have been acquaintances for a duration of time but only because of the competitive spirit that each of them has. Each of them always trying to surpass the other has pushed them to be lethal warriors. However, the term acquaintance is too weak of a word once Will saves Horace’s life. Horace takes a vow that if Will is in need he will be there for him no matter what. Thus a true bond of companionship is made and their ideas put together prove to aid many in the upcoming battle.

These two bonds of friendship remind me of many stories but one that I could relate this to very well was the Lord of the Rings series. For example, Frodo and Sam were friends while they had normal lives in the Shire. But Sam is determined to protect Frodo on his perilous quest and their bond of friendship grows stronger throughout the story. Another example is the friendship between Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas. When they first meet up they are not very fond of each other. However, throughout the story they take place in many battles and encounters that strengthen each other and their friendship.

The pacts of friendship made changed  the outcome of this story. By befriending others and learning their strengths they were able to win their battle and become prosperous allies. In our world today this needs to happen more if we are to succeed at keeping our life of peace and plenty. We could achieve greater standards if all our nations joined forces.