There have been many changes in the Valley since I was called, with my companions, to defend the River. Many have bled, and many died, but today, with the Valley of Zola Fel free once more from the Leaping Place to Corflu, and Zola Fel again the River of Cradles in fact as well as in name (pause for cheers), it is clear that it was worth the blood and pain. The Cult of the Cleansed One, once a shadow of its former self, is again becoming strong. For Shuraka the Steady is not the only one who will join the Cult today, for the River has called many, and others volunteer, to become River Voices - this is in addition to the allies and friends that are here with me today, all of whom have served the cause of the River well.
Those who would serve the River, should journey to Corflu. That is where I have established the Shennin Ashal Barracks, and where I shall train those who wish to serve. Not all will become River Voices, for the (Twisted Path of the Choked Flow?) is not for all, but all who journey South will be taught, and be strenghtened for the fight against Chaos, and taught the importance of the Left Hand of Conciliation and the Right Hand of Vengeance.
With the fierce Wolf Pirates declaring Corflu free from their predations, I have hopes that it may become a mighty trading port, an outlet for goods of all the people of the Valley. There is much to be done in Corflu, and energetic, ambitious folk might make much of time spent there, away from the famine that stalks Pavis.
Would that I, like Che'en, could focus solely on the Left Hand, for harmony is the River's greatest gift... but that is not possible. Chaos, the eternal enemy, must be met with a strong Right Hand, and that same Right Hand is often needed, to show that the Left Hand is offered not from weakness, but from compassion and a desire for Harmony. I and my fellow River Voices fight for the day when all who dwell in the Valley may dwell in peace, enjoying the bounty of Zola Fel. We face the threats to the River with both hands strong.
I look forward to learning from Shurhaka the Steady, and passing my knowledge to the next generation of River Voices.
John: The vibe in the gathered crowd builds near the end of the speech to rapt attention and smiles; your early words are mostly lost on them. There is no time for talk after the speech; you must rush to help Shurahka prepare the new Cleansed One initiates. Your impression is that you've generated the most excitement in trade opportunities, less so in specifics of chaos-fighting or recruitment. But confidence in the River Voices abilities to protect the trade effort seems very high -- if you can guard a Cradle from half the Lunar army (or was it 3/4?), what can't you defend?
Che'enshashan gives you all a quiet, meaningful last glance and then slips underwater, vanishing into history.
Chris - If appropriate, Caernak would throw in a bit of our exploits - Left and Right (making peace betweeen 5Eyes and Raus on the one hand, and smiting mightily those who would interfere with a cradle), and some passages from his "Chaos: the Only Eternal Enemy" speech/sermon.