Re: Defending the City
Dobrynya's announcement is only a bit of a surprise, but still.... After all, this transition of power represented many things, but most of all it was symbolic of a new chapter not only for the Fellowship, but for Khorsun itself.
After drinking to Dobrynya's toast Loukas refills and stands, "My friends, I lift my cup and pledge to my Captain and Regent, Miroslav; however, let us not forget the man who has led this city since we liberated it from the Byzantines.
In doing so permit me to remind you why these past years have been so good for all of us and why they will continue to be so under Miroslav's leadership. It is because while he is certainly relentless, Dobrynya is also not unlike the Heart of Oak, whose qualities he also shares with Miroslav. Permit me to remind you, my friends, what those are...
Stamina: As the Pechenegs just learned, you may batter our gates, but you had better be prepared for our counter punch!
Will: An Emperor and a Khan have been taught a message by these two men and this city will not be deterred or intimidated by greater numbers or power!
Presence: I once made the point that we are all greater together than alone and under their leadership this city has not merely survived, but has become a beacon!
Prosperity: As I said, this city has become a beacon to all on the Black Sea not only because of the rebuilding that Dobrynya led and the defense Miroslav was so instrumental in, but that we stand here today accepting trade from all and funneling it to our Rus siblings and our Knyaz we are all richer today!
Liberation: Perhaps I repeat myself, but permit me to remind all that this city would be under the crushing hand of the Emperor or plundered by the barbarian fist of the Khan where it not for he who leaves us and he who will take his place and as a result our wise Knyaz continues to let the people of Khorsun enjoy the prosperity and good lives we have built!
Longevity: Need I say it? Our enemies would tear down these walls and destroy this Jewel of the Crimean; however, with leadership as we have had from Dobryna and with which he leaves us under Miroslav this city will continue... In a nutshell, my friends, Khorsun Stands!
I raise my cup and pledge myself to these virtues of The Heart of Oak and the men who represent them so well: our former and our new Regents. May Dobryna sail peacefully to his family and happiness in Novgorod; Miroslav sail the Ship of Khorsun as well as he has the Heart of Oak; and may Sviatoslav the Wise continue Captaining the Ship of the Rus!"