The past was important, but these villagers had forgotten about their futures for far too long. Day in and day out, working, starving, and dying in a never ending loop. When was the last time they had a decent meal? A year ago? A decade ago? Even the pig's addition of meat into their diets would last only a day. It wasn't even well processed either, and meat alone does not make a meal. No, they deserved more. They needed more and I would make them realize it.

It was late in the afternoon that day, and the villagers had already sat down to enjoy the sunshine and count the leaves. Peaceful and tranquil as the autumn breeze, but not for much longer. I would be the storm that swept them into the sea.

"My friends, your attention please!" I called. It did not take long for all eyes to swing to me. Rambling and laughing gave way to a cold silence as I stood up. My injured legs still ached, but my back was as straight as it had ever been.

I did not raise my voice, there was no other conversation. "Long days you have worked on your lands, the farms and huts that your ancestors called home. Long weeks you have toiled in the soil to feed your families. Long years you have lived, knowing nothing of the outside world and it's freedoms. I’ll tell you about them now, today." A small buzz rose amongst the villagers.

"I journeyed here from the woods you see not even a mile away, but my home is farther than any of you will walk, than I will walk, in our lives. It is a place where men may pass the days without fear of hunger. It is a place where men own that which they grow in the ground. It is a place where men are free, a place I would share with you. A gift, if you are willing to take it."

I paused to scan their faces. Signs of worry, uncertainty, and fear filled them like a glass of water. But underneath all that I could something more. The twitch in their legs, a hidden light in their eyes. The trembling hands that balled into fists. "Your kindness to me, a stranger whom none of you have ever met, humbles me. Yet you reserve none of that kindness for yourselves!" My voice rose to a boom.

"How many years have you watched your family be eaten away by hunger? How many lives have been taken by disease and exhaustion because of the thousand burdens your rulers have placed on your backs? What have they done for you? When was the last time the nobles have done you kindness? Do they owe you nothing? Those who would eat the very meals denied to your children? What is it that allows them to use you like mules and spit on your corpses?" Their shock was visible now, and gasps and cries rose begging me to stop. But I did not. I could see that none could answer my questions. No answer came that would dissuade me from continuing.

My voice dropped in volume and I waited. The clamor began dying, fading away until everyone was as silent as I. "I will not ask you to take up arms and fight, I am no general, no lord. Your lives are your own. I simply ask you to share your boundless kindness with the ones that have earned it a thousand times over. Yourselves."

"Together, we can build your own mills, your own ovens. You can bake your own bread and farm your own land. You can feed your own children instead of awaiting the embrace of death with no flesh on your bodies. I will not deceive you. The roots of independence are bitter and vile. But it's fruits will be the sweetest you have ever tasted." The few nods I received were reluctant, but only from the older men. The children's eyes were feverish, as if they had found a new toy they had never seen.

"Join me tomorrow at sunrise. Those of you who would wish to build a brighter future can begin, and together we can secure for you that which you have for so long deserved." No applause followed my words, so I left. The pain in my legs bit like a viper, but I stumbled on. For their sake and mine, I could not fall.

Behind me I could see the whispers and the shouts. The arguments and debates no doubt occurring between every family and home. Many would not be sleeping, I suspect. I paid them no attention, the choice was theirs.

"I know of few princes who could give a better speech." I heard.

I raised an eyebrow. "How many princes do you know, Silvana?"

"Many from the books, nowhere else. Though I must ask, who are you?." She said, turning me around to face her.

I chuckled. "Don't tell me you've been listening to their gossip? If you're looking for a prince I'm afraid I will disappoint."

A twinkle appeared in her silver eyes. "Even if you are not, I would say you do not disappoint at all."

"Flattering. But I would consider myself a common man where I am from." I said with a smile.

"I am curious to see what an extraordinary man would look like from where you come." She said, drawing closer. "Whoever you are, stop meddling. You are here by godfather's permission and without it I can and will send you away."

"I am doing what I must. They have earned better meals than what you offer, and deserve a far better life than the misery you have put them through." I said.

Her eyes flashed. "Your trickery will not work on me, Celestial. Godfather has told me of your kind's exploits, and I will not become your victim. You will promise me now to forget and never repeat today's incident."

"And if I refuse?" I asked.

"I am lady of this manor. You cannot and will not refuse my commands. I will not be overruled in my own territory! I demand an oath, now." She said.

I had to laugh. I brushed her aside. "Don't you dare. You will pay for this, you shall suffer!" Suffer, I noted, not die. But that made sense. Silvana would not kill me unless she was allowed to.

Knowing that, what did I have to be afraid of? I had seen many dogs during my time in the army. There were dogs that bark and dogs that bite. Those with a mind to bite would not wait so long. "Do your worst, I'm looking forward to it." I replied.