From Saigorei
We stand before the gates of Volturnum, and we live or die as one.
I see the rows of pikemen, their helms gleaming in the faint light of the moon - all the light that can be given to us, in this dark place. At least we know that Hitomi has not forgotten us. I pray that the Fortunes are watching as well. This is the battle we were born to fight.
If the Empire is to be safe, then we must not be afraid.
Legions stand in order, readying themselves for the charge. I see Crane standing beside Lion. Kuwanan - despite the festering Taint that has taken his right arm and turned it into a twisted mass of flesh - holds the line beside Kitsu Motso. They will stand together, and possibly, die as one. Unicorn, Phoenix, Dragon - all side by side, shoulder to shoulder as the day of judgment dawns. Will we be enough? Will the courage of a thousand souls be enough to defeat the Shadow?
I believe that they are.
A thousand mortal samurai - the souls of the Empire, willing to fight and die as one, to change the world. I am proud to fight beside you, proud, to know that if I die, it will be in the company of heroes and legends; if I live, I will look back on this day with honor. I walk among the gathering armies as they come together in the summer heat, and I know that they are prepared for the conflict. All the battles that we have faced in the past, good or foul, have tempered their hearts with courage. We can not fail.
And when I look back on this day, I will remember one thing above all else. On the day that we stood against the Shadow and refused to fall, a million lives were saved in the Empire. A million lives that do not know the cost we paid, or the blood we shed for their future. When the end came to pass, a thousand stood against the uncountable shadow, and their honor won the day. Always remember that you were there when Volturnum fell - and you were not alone.
You are one of a thousand souls.
Saigorei
General of the Jade Empire
Servant of the Emperor of Rokugan
Commander of the United Armies
Volturnum