To the Sovereigns and Councillors, to the Channelers and Mages, to the Soldiers and Common Men of the West:

 A great threat has arisen from the East once more, and now, as in times past, must we assemble to fight it. Let no man shirk his duty; let no woman hold back her son, no merchant hold back his gold, for the great army of the West must ride, and soon, to vanquish these demons that are called Fallen.

 It is whispered to me that this summons comes at an inopportune time for some; that there is famine, and disease, and unrest in some corners of the West. There are some who would ignore the Queen’s summons; who would forswear the oaths they made at the Great Council.

 This would be wrong.

 Let us not make ourselves like the Fallen, who cast aside their promises when convenience suits. Who turn on each other, strong upon weak, when temporary need arises. We are bound by our words; we are bound by our laws, which protect weak and strong alike.  No general, no queen, no channeler, may go against them.

 We are not the Fallen, who like the Dred’nir that came before them, treat their own peoples as little more than slaves, their soldiers as little better than cannon fodder.  They sacrifice anything and anyone to achieve their ends; precedent, promises, hold no meaning for them. They care not for our world, or the things that dwell upon it. Theirs is the way of destruction, and despoliation; they value life only insofar as it is of use to them.

 My friends, let us remember we do not fight for Procipinee alone. We fight for each other; Capitar for Gilden, Tarth for New Pariden, merchant for miner, noble for mage. It is why we will win this fight, my brothers, my sisters, as we won so many battles in the time before this one.

So signed,

 The Lady Irane, First Councillor of Tarth