The General and the Republic: Part II
Wearily, General McKrawl walked towards the podium. He looked out at the crowd assembled. Despite their mistrust of him, most of the heads of the "free cities", as they liked to call themselves, had come, though not with out protection. Each of them stood apart from the others, in the center of tight knots of bodyguards.
And thus, disunited and mistrustful, we will fall.
As a child, McKrawl had been considered eligible to be an adept. He had trained at the Air Academy in what was then Wu'di for a short time before being rejected, as he could not muster the amount of power required to succeed. He had, however, learned the basic skill of subtly altering the air around him so that his voice became magnified and resonant--a skill that proved useful in giving orders, and that would prove useful know. Inwardly gathering his strength, willpower, and love for Delenlor, he began to speak.
"I have called you all here today to make an announcement about the future government of Delenlor. As some of you exemplify, the people yearn for a republic. They yearn to make their own laws, follow their own course. Today, I tell you that I will not stop them."
The crowd erupted into shouts, but was quickly silenced as McKrawl held up a hand and continued to speak.
"No, I will not oppose the will of the people of the country which I love so much. If times were better, I would resign my post as head of this government immediately.
But times are bad. Because of the folly of the Adepts who once ruled us, we are embroiled in a war. And if we continue squabbling amongst ourselves, it is a war we cannot win.
But I tell you, if the people of Delenlor stand united, they can become a force that cannot be stopped. United, we can stop this assault. United, we can bring about peace for our children.
Some of you know that this government has been pursuing an economic revitalization. And in one year's time, this dream will become a reality. If we survive this year, we cannot fall. But we must survive this year. And for this, I need your help. Return to your cities, tell your people. No volunteer will be turned away from this fight. And maybe, just maybe, if every citizen of this would-be Republic does his duty, Ramon shall be repulsed.
If we win this fight, I shall step down immediately and Delenlor shall have a Republic. If we lose, we shall be completely and utterly destroyed, but at least we shall go down fighting. Divided, we have no hope. United, we shall resist!"
Mopping his brow, General McKrawl stepped down from the podium.
The future of Delenlor is now in their hands. I have done all I can.