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'Behold, the Kings of the West are assembled. Might we not.here
resolve those disputes which have divided us and thus wrest from
the grim fist of war a felicity for our kingdoms and our people which
they have never known? Let us here, my brothers, upon this field of
war examine peace.'
And the other Kings marveled at the good sense of the King of the
Sendars, for in truth he seemed a foolish man.
But Rhodar, King of Drasnia, spake, saying, 'Not yet is the war
against Angarak ended. Still are there Nadrak garrisons in the ruins
of Boktor and Kotu, and dark Grolim priests hunt the marshes of
Mrin for the sons and daughters of Dras Bull-neck to sacrifice on the
altars of Torak One-eye.'
And Cho-Ram, King of Algaria and Chief of the Clan-chiefs
spake, saying, 'And still is there war in Algaria. The Stronghold of
the Algars is besieged by Murgos.'
But Eldrig, white-bearded King of Cherek spake, saying, 'Dear
Brothers, these are but minor internal problems for Aloria. The
eviction of a few unwanted guests is not a problem with which we need
concern Imperial Tolnedra, Noble Arendia, nor Holy Ulgo. Now that
Torak is overthrown, Aloria may dispose of the rags of Angarak at
its leisure. The Kings of the West face here a greater destiny.
Boundless Mallorea hath sent her unnumbered hordes against us,
and Murgo and Nadrak and Thull have tried our strength, and we
have overcome them. More than this, we have witnessed here, upon
this very field, the overthrow of a God. Surely the hands of the other
Gods were in this, and Brand of Riva hath been their instrument.
What better omen than this? Know now, dear Brothers, I, Eldrig,
King of Cherek, of the blood and bone of Cherek Bear-shoulders,
eldest of the Alorn Kings, swear fealty to Brand of Riva as Overlord
of the West.' And rose he and saluted Brand, Warder of Riva, with
his great war-axe.
And Cho-Ram of Algaria rose also, saying, 'Great indeed is the
wisdom of my venerable Brother of Cherek who hath pointed out
the will of the Gods. For their guidance was with Brand of Riva as he
led us against the hordes of Angarak, and their guidance will surely
be with him still in the peace we now face. I, Cho-Ram, Chief of the
Clan-chiefs, King of the Algars, descendant of Algar Fleet-foot, also
swear fealty to Brand of Riva as Overlord of the West.'And saluted
he Brand with his great curved sword.
And then rose Rhodar of Drasnia, saying, 'The children of the
Bear-God speak as one. All of Aloria is again one people and one
nation. I, Rhodar, King of Northernmost Drasnia, descendant of
Dras Bull-neck, pledge fealty to Brand of Riva as Overlord of the
West.' And saluted he Brand with his short, broad-bladed sword.
And rose Ormik, King of the Sendars, and troubled was his face,
and he spake, saying, 'Dear Brothers, Kings of the West, truly is
Brand of Riva a man like unto no other man. Who else among us
hath overthrown a God? And I say unto you now, that whatsoever
Brand commandeth me to do, that will I do. And wheresoever he
leads, there will I follow - yea, be it into fire or into water, and
pledge I here fealty unto Brand of Riva - I and all of Sendaria with
me. And Sendaria stands with Aloria as one people under the
Overlordship of Brand of Riva. But, dear Brothers, some there are
here who perceive not the glory which we have here beheld. For