The beautiful, glittering Sea Bay washed away the misery of their long journey.
None of them had ever seen the Sea. Even the broadest stream or longest river they knew could not compare to the vast Sea before them.
Though the sea wind reddened their noses, they could not tear their eyes from the Coast, which stirred something beyond words.
"Star-Moon Bay, where hope begins..."
Annan gazed at his Territory and his Subjects, murmuring softly.
The pain, worry, and unease of ten days on the road became a sense of belonging so strong they could almost touch it.
They liked this place, and they showed it. Dressed in grimy cotton clothes, the Subjects crowded eagerly around their Lord, ready to build their home.
Ingrid, the assistant he had borrowed, told Annan he ought to say something.
With Dawn draped over his shoulders, Annan met their eyes. Some looked weary, some young, some hopeful, but every pair shone with light:
"Someone once told me that when a person has a Village, he pours his heart into helping it grow. He strengthens its walls for fear of attacks by Foreign Races, stores food against disaster, and finds ways to save and earn more when Tax Revenue falls short... I'll do those things. I hope you will too."
"This is our home."
A jumble of voices answered Annan's speech. Every face brimmed with hope and anticipation for the future.
"Rest for thirty minutes. Stay by the Coast."
Annan let the travelers rest after their long march, then turned to Ingrid.
"How was that?"
"It lacked preparation and formality, but it was full of feeling. For an impromptu speech, you did quite well."
"Better than Olmedo?"
The assistant, with her short brown hair, delicate features, and clipped, cool manner, answered honestly. "The City Lord