Path of Glory

He felt his tail curl between his legs as he stared, mouth open, at the imposing walkway snaking its way up the steep hillside. Large stone statues in heroic poses lined both sides, surveying the pathway with a critical eye as if laying the full weight of their expectations onto the shoulders of those who passed beneath their watchful gaze. At the top of the path, high enough he had to crane his neck to see, sparkled a massive structure of metal and glass.

— Mordena Dawn, Book 5: Grim Reminders

The only physical approach to SAF Military Headquarters, the famed Path of Glory leads up the steep hill beside Sparnell's capital, culminating in an unrivaled view overlooking the city. The Path is lined with meticulously maintained statues of Confederation heroes, a testament to the might and political clout of the Sparnell Armed Forces.

Purpose / Function

Motivation...

For those entering and leaving SAF Military Headquarters, the Path of Glory is intended as a constant reminder of the achievements of past Confederation heroes, and an inspiration to all currently serving in the Sparnell Armed Forces that they, too, can achieve greatness. This glory comes at a price, of course. Most on the Path died in service to the SAF, such that many in the lower ranks instead refer to the Path as "The Walk of the Fallen".
Regardless of the cause or quantity of deaths, each individual immortalized along the Path surrendered their personal aspirations, instead living wholly for the Confederation's ideals – and bloodlust.

“Will we jump again?” he asked, tail waving behind him at the thought of slipping past the Veil once more.
“No,” Selkirk answered coolly. “We walk.”
“Would be disrespectful to our heroes,” Admiral Kydell added, motioning toward the statues as he led the way, setting a brisk pace despite the steep slope.

— Mordena Dawn, Book 5: Grim Reminders

...and Deterrent

The Path also serves as a reminder to those considering betrayal. Sparnelli justice is swift, thorough, and generational, punishing entire Families for the misdeeds of the few.
Even ancestors are not exempt, their accomplishments erased and statues toppled should theie descendants fall afowl of Confederation ideals.

One of the statues had been broken off at the knees, the fractured stones of the sculpture half buried in the surrounding dirt and bramble, its base claimed by an assortment of clinging and stubborn plants. The name was illegible now, although he was able to make out the curves of what appeared to be an S.
“What happened to that one?”
The Admiral’s face darkened. “Some conversations are best held in private.”

— Mordena Dawn, Book 5: Grim Reminders

Alternative Names

Walk of the Fallen

Type

Footpath

Parent Location

Sparnell

Owning Organization

Sparnell Armed Forces

Further Reading