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[Thrax]

---

In the music hall of the Abbey, Thrax conferred with all interested parties in the forming of the Commonwealth, to discuss the current political climate and policy-making.

The first topic of discussion was how to view the aristocratic regimes whose rule would be disregarded, if not abolished, who still claimed Yew as their "territory."

"On walls and in Atlases within the palaces of Kings and Governors there are maps with borders that encompass Yew. They are sources of great pride to those people. But I ask you, what is the value of such things to us, here, now, or for that matter, forever?" Thrax asked.

"Nothing," came the reply.

"Correct. They may keep their maps and their fantasies of directing our affairs from afar, but they have no bearing on the realities that now exist. I have made our case clear to the pseudo-Regent. He has expressed his disapproval and claimed that you are all mere rabble hired by me to control Yew," He paused to let the laughter die down.

"One who claims to be Regent in place of the legitimate succession, and rules by force, has no businesses telling anyone else what is or is not legitimate. As for the King, I cannot get a civil answer from him directly, so we are and shall remain incommunicado, which suits me fine. Now, let us move on to more pressing matters."

"Factions," one of them said.

"Yes. They are well-entrenched here as in other Feluccan cities. Their constant warfare is the bitter legacy left us by the government-in-exile in Trammel. We can thank dear Lord British for that! What can be done about this?"

An older man spoke up. "We have never been able to do anything. They are too numerous and powerful. No one has ever offered to help us with them, or even addressed this issue as we are doing now."

Thrax snorted. "Of course not. Do you think any of them give a ---," he checked his tongue, "rat's arse what befalls us?"

"What can we do?"

"I am wracking my brain to find a solution. In the meantime, I can only suggest we keep clear of their fighting. To aid one faction or the other would only bring the full weight of the others against us. Besides, they are all equally vile in my book. I will pay for their damages myself, at least until the Articles can be implemented and the Parliament established."

"What of the orcs?"

"Despite contrary and common belief, the orcs deserve to live. To declare that they have no place in our world and are fit only to be exterminated should be an affront to anyone who truly holds to the virtues. Even Lord British himself did not suggest such a course. It flies in the face of the very virtue for which Yew stands---justice. It is neither right nor just to put to death a species. And if such action is deemed needful for them, then we humans, as a species, have committed enough atrocities to warrant our own extermination. May I humbly suggest that we forego more atrocities and seek to live in peace with them? If some of them turn renegade and resort to brigandage, then of course we shall protect ourselves. Barring that, we continue the way of all peace-loving people."

"What of the treaty? The orcs surrendered to us."

"Treaties are nothing more than reflections of the will of the conqueror over that of the defeated. Think on it, my friends! Had the orcs won that war so long ago, do you think for one moment that later generations would continue to honor it and remain under their yoke? Of course not! Therefore, do not expect them to. If our lands are invaded, we will protect ourselves, but I strongly affirm the right for orcs to exist in our world."

There was some grumbling and prejudicial remarks about orcs and their habits. This is good. There must never be only yes-men.

"The Regency and Protectorate. Shall we align with one or both of them?"

Various suggestions were made. Thrax then commented. "Our first and primary intention is to abolish the aristocracy here. Both of those institutions are governed by nobility and are filled with nobles who will always be tempted to grasp for supreme power over the common people. It is my opinion that we remain neutral toward them both, mind our own business and urge them to leave us be. Both groups claim to represent the interests and policies of a King who turned his back on us when he created Trammel."

A young man in the back moved forward. Thrax knew him as a ranger, very outspoken and brave. "But Thrax, you yourself are a council member of the true Regency. Won't you be tempted to compromise your objectivity if you take a position in the Commonwealth government?"

Thrax smiled. "I love such candor and forthrightness. Keep that quality! We will need it if we are to guide ourselves and hold onto our freedom." Then he looked at them all. "He is quite correct. It would not do well for me to hold any office here while serving as an official on another political council. I shall, therefore, tender my resignation as an officer in the Regency as soon as possible."

Those in attendance were pleased by it. The remainder of the time was spent polishing the Articles of the Commonwealth and setting a date for the vote. Once completed, the meeting was adjourned and Thrax went home to fulfill his word.

[Thrax]

---

The day of the voting on the Articles was sunny and fair. The draft was presented at the polling booth at the Abbey. Voter turnout was moderate. There remained many who were sympathetic to the King or to factions, or who just didn't care, and kept away.

Thrax mused as he watched citizens casting their votes. Complete unity is impossible---a pipe dream that only a fool could believe in. One must take what one is given and run with it. Nothing worthwhile ever succeeds without struggle. And the struggle will go on.

He fully expected for armed warriors to appear to stop them, but he was ready for that. Lord British's ancient and mystical order of knights still patrolled the lands despite their Lord's absence, and he would not hesitate to call upon them should the need arise. Another reason there needs be no real army, only a militia. There are not enough of us anyway, men and women, to accomplish anything by force of arms.

When voting closed, the locked boxes were taken to the Abbey where trustworthy scribes having no agenda but their own work, unlocked them and counted the voting slips inside.

The Articles passed easily. A scribe announced the results at the front of the Abbey to those gathered there.

We have the basis of a constitution. Now the world will see what we can do on our own once more, unfettered by misbegotten, notions of a paternalistic aristocracy that has failed us for the last time!

The crowds dispersed, many to return home to celebrate, while others left for their favorite taverns in neighboring cities like Skara Brae and Minoc, to indulge themselves.

Thrax journeyed home to tell his wife and children the news that the Yew Commonwealth was born again.