Those Who Sharpen the Mind

Steel and Forges

Dawn peeked over the Senate to illuminate the entirety of Haimore sitting in peaceful protest of the atrocities committed. The only sound to break the silent defiance was the periodic challenging shout of Un'tra

"Drake!"

The shouts had lasted the entire night and gave no rest to the Senators huddled in the auditorium. With every shout, the crowd grew stronger in their resolve.

"Drake!"

Un'tra's shouts did not waver. Somehow with each consecutive challenge, it seemed to get stronger.

"Drake!"

How long could the people of Haimore sustain this protest? The Holi-com sat in their defensive positions. They were exhausted from their constant vigilance. They were told to defend, not strike down peaceful protestors.

"Drake!"

The shouts felt like thunder in the Senate chambers. Every Senator had taken shelter here, as their residences were no longer safe.

"Drake!"

"The crowd is not faltering, Drake. We must end this dispute reasonably." Senator Malbeck pleaded.

"You think a riotous crowd will be reasonable?" Drake snapped.

"I don't hear a riotous crowd, just one man." Senator Umtrick said with a smirk.

"Drake!"

"That booming voice could only be one man, Drake. What are you going to do?" Senator Brakken asked nervously.

"I will sit here until the masses starve. Or, I will throw you to the wolves if I have to." Drake could only snap at the other Senators. His mind raced and calm discussions escaped his capabilities.

"Drake!"

"Drake, you coward. We shall face the masses and try to resolve this mess you've gotten us into." Senator Malbeck said to many Senators' approval.

"Drake!"

Drake knew he could not escape alone. He had to stand with the power of the Senate or be an injured fawn surrounded by wolves.

"You followed me before, my fellow Senators. I will lead us into negotiations." Drake tried to sound noble, but his anxious movements gave his true feelings away. Yet, no Senator wanted to take leadership now, against the entire city.

"Drake!"

'His name is the one being called. Why should we be martyrs for him?' many of the Senators thought. Drake turned and headed for the main doors and the thunderous shouts. The Senate followed with trepidation at what would come next.

The doors of the Senate opened and the breath of the crowd was seemingly stolen. The Senators strode out of the building with their chests puffed high as a faux show of leadership and confidence. Their confidence drained from their demeanor when they saw the crowd sitting in a noble and peaceful protest. Emotions and rage are easy to manipulate, but this was a far different kind of protest. At the front of the crowd, the Holi-inte stood up, and the rest of the crowd imitated the action.

"No violence needs to come on this day. That day has passed. I wish to speak to the leader of the Senate, Drake." Un'tra said in a calm voice that was in contrast to his previous thunderous shouts. Drake approached the rear of the Holi-com line and said from behind them.

"We have heard your treasonous shouts. Why would I be inclined to talk to you Un'tra? The gods rejected you and scarred you hideously."

"I survived your false trial and the Holi-inte survived your blatant and savage assault." Un'tra said without breaking eye contact with Drake. Drake had to look away from the strange and intimidating stare.