***
Uncertain of what the future held, the people began to gather outside the Chamber of Equals, around the great symbol of their people. The Prefect on hearing of their unease came out to address them, so as to calm their fears. All fell silent as he strode proudly out of the shadows and began to speak. “It is times such as these that we earn the right to call ourselves the Dragon people. We have never lacked courage or strength of will. Our forefathers fought many wars so that we might till the land as free people; should we do no less. You look at your children thinking what will come of them. Well the truth is I cannot say, as I do not know, I cannot see the future nor what will determine our fate, nor do I know what trials await us, but I can answer that if we don’t do our duty, your children will surely learn that staying home and sleeping peacefully in their beds is nothing more than a brief respite. If we turn our backs on our friends can we honestly then say that honour, integrity and courage were the greatest traits of the Dragon people. All those in our history would wish themselves alive to see this day, when the pride of the Dragon People rode out in the face of an uncertain future. We do not have blind courage, we look to the storm and recognise it for what it is, and we go towards it anyway, and why, because that is the Dragon People. We do not shudder at the first clap of thunder, nor do we take cover when the torrent comes to chase us away, nor do we take shelter when defiance is needed, we say storm break harder, and why, because that is the Dragon people. And when our friends in their most desperate hour call for aid, we ride, we ride as though they are our brothers, our sisters, our children and why, because that is the Dragon People."
Among the multitude there was a wild clamour and cheer.
Achil & The Rise Of The Mandrake Page 5