The Warbler

A Transcript of the Speeches made at the Militia's Ceremony

By Rosella Maple

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On the 16th of Highsun 1641, a ceremony was held honoring the soldiers of the Militia who had fought in the war against the Hangua Robes. This is what was said:

Altheric's Speech

“Thank you all for being here, be you townsfolk or fellow members of our Militia. There is something important to get out of the way first. Something I'm sure those in formation will be glad to hear."

 "Before you stands a battle hardened group of your own townsfolk. Sergeants and recruits both... For the prowess they demonstrated in the conclusion of our campaign against the Hangua Robes, they have rightfully earned the title of 'Levy'."

 "What do you see before you? Friends, loved ones, even councilors. I see warriors, and not one who fights alike any other beside them, yet Here they stand. While the army that once threatened to siege our walls lay buried in the ground, or have fled to distant lands."

"The Battle of Autumglade and the Siege of Sanshi were a culmination of weeks and months of tireless effort- from those Spirefolk that stand here today. Long nights hunched over maps, long mornings patrolling the lands outside our palisades, and even longer and bloodier skirmishes."

"In our final battle at Autumnglade, the Hangua Robes numbered almost eighty footsoldiers and archers. We were less than three-dozen… Those who stand before you are a testament not only to the might of the Spire Militia, but those we are sworn to protect. We suffered one loss, in Levy Salachar, but he yet lives thanks to one of our auxilliaries, Miko."

"Our losses would have been heavy and our wounds poorly treated were it not for the hospital staff that assisted us after every battle. Konrad Radziwill, Elova Thelwen, Hazel Austell, Liatris Ulesinski- and Miko... And Tauza. Sorry."

"There are several others I'd like to extend my gratitude to. Lady Meriel Noctis for supplying us the funds to acquire resources to construct our war camp, as well as every former councilor that permitted the Militia to be stood up at all. The town would be in dire straits were it not for her them."

"I will not preach to you of glory nor heroics. I will not beseech you to look to your faith. Nor will I ask that you pledge your allegiance to any one man, woman, or person. We have seen at cost what it means to do so."

“In the Reach you have learned full well for what it is you fight. Know that your fight is not yet over. Freedom's a long road, but so long as we fight as one, we shall remain vassals to none.”

Kalibri's Speech

"The Hangua came here to kick the shit out of some backwater town's militia to gain merit and move north with it. It's done the complete opposite. This enemy has served as the... whetstone... to sharpen ourselves. I am proud of you all."