Everyone standing there had a reason to be furious, a reason they had no choice but to fight back.
After all, who among them had never suffered under the nobles?
Even Captain Reyne and the others listening could barely stand it. They wanted to smash something, and they weren't the ones who had lived through it.
The stories went on for hours. In that atmosphere, even the rebels who had been reluctant to reopen old wounds began speaking about their painful pasts.
A bitter wind howled outside. Inside the Black Reef Tavern, the flames of vengeance burned.
For the first time, Wilson learned how much the people who had joined Ah Adele's uprising had suffered.
Hesitation crossed his face, then gave way to resolve.
Ah Adele... I'll avenge you. I swear it.
When the moment felt right, Little Smo stepped forward and raised his fist. "So we have to fight back! If they won't let us live, we won't let them live either!"
The rebels, burning with anger, raised their right hands and roared.
From outside, the Black Reef Tavern finally sounded like a tavern.
Once he had rallied them, Wilson joined the members of the Blade of Freedom in registering every rebel.
Wilson had a concern. "What if the nobles get hold of the list?"
"Can you remember everyone's name?" Little Smo asked him.
"I can try."
"What about another hundred people? Another thousand?" Little Smo said gravely. "We write down their names not just to know who's on our side, but so they won't become nameless heroes."
The Blade of Freedom battle monument in Free City's cemetery bore thousands of stars. Nearly half had no names beside them...
Wilson questioned it no further. Little Smo stood to one side with his arms folded, letting Wilson take the lead