[ WP ] Our cause is righteous and just . We will not falter

The antechamber was hot, stifling in the noonday sun. The very air clung heavy to the podiums, thick and lethargic. In the stands, noblemen and women fanned themselves vainly, while the soldiers standing guard at the columns simmered in the heat, trapped in their heavy iron. If he had not known any better, Vimichi would have said it was the height of summer, but alas, it was the turn of spring. And in Siidun, spring meant war. 
 
 “ Our cause is righteous and just. We will not falter! ” The Grand Sudlan stood at the dais, arms raised in dramatic fashion. He would almost look a fearsome figure were it not for his sleeves, which cascaded to the floor giving him the look of a particularly godly mantis. “ The Great Empire of Siidun will emerge victorious! We will trample these Gupta dogs beneath our boots and be home before winter! Victory! Victory! ” 
 
 *How inspiring, * Vimichi thought drily, *No doubt we ’ re the first men to have a righteous cause, you ’ d think more would try it. * 
 
 There was an attempt at a half-hearted applause from the stands as the Sudlan finished, but the effort was already wilting in the heat. By the time the man had retaken his seat, the antechamber had sunken into an oppressive silence once more. 
 
 The Emperor ’ s Speaker, a thin man with a great bullfrog of a voice, cleared his throat noisily. 
 
 “ It is my great honour… ” he began slowly, savouring every moment of his speech, “ …to introduce the Grand Emperor of the great Empire of Siidun! Son of Grand Emperor Kul-Duron, breaker of the Eight Glass Clans, conqueror of the Marble Steppes… “ Somewhere in the antechamber a man coughed, elsewhere, wood creaked as lords repositioned their arses on the benches. “ …Protector of all of Siidunia, Master of Lords and Men… ” the Speaker dragged out the last words. “ I present to you, the Grand Emporer Tal-Duron! ” 
 
 *There ’ s never been a man more interested in hearing his own voice, * Vimichi thought as he stepped up to the dais. 
 
 
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 More coming soon!
