Stability Breaking [Arc End]

The sun is going down over the mountain Wekgrond. The people of Ultopja wait silently for their Lord. Earlier today they were in high hopes, the meeting in front of the tower seemed friendly, hours later the Estaran procession left with the prisoners of Brikstrat. They all guesses what it means but none of them know for sure. The rumours spread through the streets like wildfire, people returning from the farms asks what has happened, general confusion, the whole city holds its breath.

Finally the voice reverberates from the stones around them. “People of Ultopja, it is with great sadness that I have to bring to you the news that all of you were afraid off: Estara has declared war on us.” Silence spreads through the city; people whisper curses or start openly weeping in the streets.

“And that PISSES ME OFF.” Ulal rages against their fear. “Listen to me what they demanded. Listen well. They DEMANDED that we give up this city to them. They DEMANDED that I support the status quo. They DEMANDED that males admit they inferiority. They DEMANDED that I hand over the plans of this city. They DEMANDED that we give up our true secularity. They DEMANDED all of that.”

Shouts of anger fills the streets. “Should I have agreed to that?” Loud denial, “As a council we declined, as your leader I told the ambassador that cannot agree to these terms. Laying down our Equality is the same as laying down our life after all.” Agreement, fists pump into the air.

“And so it is with great rage and unfathomable justice that I declare that we will not bend, we will not break, we will win people of Ultopja. We shall be a tall wall against the coming storm. Our Southern wall is thick and we are surrounded by the Wekgrond, they have to siege US and we will not give in a single stone. I must inform you that some of the luxuries you may have grown accustomed to will be unavailable as energy will be realigned to power the defensive enchantments, but despair not WE WILL STAND THROUGH THIS.

For all of you who are feeling unsure about fighting against your former home, your former countrymen and women. I have the deepest of understandings for your situation but I need you to answer this question: Is a country that attacks the people it failed to protect really worthy of your loyalty? I hope you come to the right answer.

We have until the new year at best before the Estaran Army arrives. Godspeed to our famers, may they harvest as much food as they can manage, Strength and Stamina to our soldiers, may they become strong enough to repel the invaders and Wisdom to our mages and alchemists, may they find the tools that will guide us to victory.

All Hail Ultopja, the paradise is not lost this day.”

As the people in the streets below break into screams of applause, their moral at an all time high, Ulal turns from the window. “You write good speeches Zerine.” He says, “It is a good thing you know the truth about me, you are useful. Acting in front of you all the time would be exhausting.” He gives Glenn a warning glance, “Although Monstrosity might have been a bit harsh. I prefer Demon, that is true at the very least.”

Glenn gulps, “I-I will keep it in mind.” He promises. “Good, now there will be a few who will want to get back to Estara, sure that we will lose our because of pure loyalty. Make sure they don’t by whatever means possible. Religion, bureaucracy, psychology, I don’t care.”

“That…doesn’t actually seem right.” Zerine mumbles. Ulal chuckles and burns the paper from which he read the speech with a casual turn of his wrist. “Politics aren’t right. Politics are the means to have and stay in power. I need those people, if they leave others will start to doubt, doubt leads to inner decay. Of course, no doubts lead to decadence but if we get there we have won already so I wish we had that problem.”

His hand rests on the Throne. “You two are genuinely good people. I find that laughable but it comes with things like compassion, empathy and other such nonsense that I lack. When I was leading a small organization, I didn’t need those things but now I do.” “What do I have that you need?” Tarzana asks as she cleans her fingernails, “A continental network of more or less powerful mages. You already know that.” Ulal says in an annoyed tone. “Here is what I have what you need, just a tiny thing I made myself.” He points out the window. “Still feel like spreading your sass?”

Tarzana shakes her head and Ulal dismisses them. “Get to your work.” He says as he sits back into the Focus Throne, “As I get to mine.”