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Broyan stared in wonder at the rainclad foes before him, thousands upon thousands formed in serried ranks of crimson, bronze and steel. The battlements were assailed by the rhythmic thunder of their ten thousand spear butts thrust into the ground, ten thousand again stamping boots of wouldbe conquerors pounding the earth of the defenders' lands.

"TEAR DOWN WHITEWALL!" CRIES THE GODDESS.

"Well, Sartari," mused Broyan, his lips dry, "You are a musical folk, can you not match that?" He spoke lightly, but his soft words were weary.

"TEAR DOWN WHITEWALL!" CRY WE ALL.

The weather-beaten features of the soldier beside him, hair caked in dirt, blood and sweat, tensed for a moment, as in contemplation. Finally he turned to the king. "Well, they've got a very good bass section, mind..." he started, and then a proud grin smoothed his features, as he finished "But no top tenors."

Eyes closed, the faint call of a soft humming rose in the air, as the Sartarite found his tune.

"Men of Whitewall, lie ye dreaming..."

<Stu>

Men of Whitewall

Men of Whitewall, lie ye dreaming,
See ye not their scimitars gleaming?
Crimson banners proudly streaming,
Billow in the storm.

Men of Whitewall, stand ye ready,
It shall not be ever said ye
For this battle were not ready,
Whitewall will ne'er yield!

From the tor rebounding!
Let this war cry sounding!
Summon all, to Broyan's call,
The moonshone foe surrounding!

Men of Whitewall, to the walls tend,
This will ever be your legend
Sing these words 'til our breaths' end
Orlanth will ne'er yield!

MIDI: http://www.castlewales.com/menhar.html

<Stu>

The Sartarite in question might have been inspired by the song "Men of Sartar", which has the same tune and vaguely similar words.<Jane>

http://www.jane-williams.me.uk/glorantha/songs/song_menofsartar.cfm

Excellent stuff, Jane! I was sure someone would have used 'Men of Harlech' afore me, but had not seen an example. I'm sure the man in question did adapt that famous tune Men of Sartar, sung in proud, meadtoned voices in halls across that northern land, to the circumstances of the moment. Just like the Welshman in Zulu.<Stu>