Page 81 of Feathers and Thorns

Callan stood next to her, singing along in his native tongue, his deep voice melding with those of his brothers.

Let it be heard on mountains high

The hammer of Olecastor sounds

We march to our deaths readily

Feel our might within the ground

With metal and stone, we forge our way

Through river and barren land

We lay waste to those who oppose

Bringing our wrath by steely hand

There is no need to die this day

Let us wash the blood away

Mercy is given to those who pray

Let us wash the blood away

Our anvils ring down in the deep

Creating blades of legend and myth

Our swords ring true

Be wary of those who come from the cliffs

Heed the warning of Braexmirth

That our daughters and sons shout

For they may be the last words you hear

Before your light is snuffed out

There is no need to die this day

Let us wash the blood away

Mercy is given to those who pray

Let us wash the blood away

Let us wash the blood away

Saoirse’s voice quieted as her brethren approached. The king stopped before them to embrace her and his son before he gave Soren, Baz, and Enara a nod. Gone was the jolly king from Hallival, and in his place was the leader of Braexmirth, King Elias of Olecastor, Lord of the Forge.

He continued on to clasp arms with Jai and the Duke of Stelonbriar, speaking in hushed tones for a few moments. Soren could see Jai and Erick nodding slightly before King Elias turned to speak.

“In the past, our peoples have not always seen eye-to-eye. I will not ask you to forget those who have fallen before our blades, nor to forcefully befriend those you see as an enemy. All I ask is that you be willing, for the time being, to set those feelings of misgiving aside to help save our world. For in these dark times, we are no longer the enemy, but a willing party, hoping to find allegiance amongst your ranks.” His voice boomed over the crowd with a calm authority they all seemed to respect.

“Your leaders and I have agreed that if any of you no longer wish to fight, then that is your right. So, those of you who want to leave, do so now. We do not have time to train the unwilling for what is to come.”

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