Chereads / Horses in the Falcon / Chapter 106 - 106

Chapter 106 - 106

"I will not lie to you," you say. "The way ahead will be difficult, and we may not all survive the journey. Look at the alternatives, though. You can stay here and be killed by the Black Wolves when they arrive, or you can seek your fortune in other lands, where you will likely be paupers or slaves. Surely it is better to stay with those you know, for only by sticking together can the Tribe of the Red Bear survive." You look at the expectant faces of the tribespeople. "Now either stand by me or flee. There is no room for cowards in my tribe."

Your speech is greeted initially with a shocked silence. Then the man who challenged you speaks up: "You speak the truth, Basileios, even if it is a hard one to hear. Aye, I'll follow you." Many other voices join his, and soon many of the assembled tribespeople are shouting their assent. Although there will no doubt be a few dissenting voices both now and on the journey ahead, the majority of the Tribe of the Red Bear will pledge themselves to you as the tribe's new chieftain.

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