"Religious or political scruples?" "Religious, my leader. The army divides along sectarian lines." "There will be no exceptions! Have the refusers shot. Shoot the entire army if you have to. We'll recruit new soldiers." Gorman grinned. That was the old Dominic de Tomas! This was to be the most elaborate awards ceremony ever staged on Kingdom, the first of many planned. The Special Group honor guard, dressed in stunning black and silver uniforms, marched smartly into the Great Hall of Wayvelsberg Castle to the stirring notes of"Raise the Flag." The music and lyrics, adapted from an old hymn, were now the signature of the Socialist Party of Kingdom, and by default, Kingdom's anthem. Everyone stood as the black and silver flag of the SPK passed down the hall. The honor guards' boot heels clacked in sharp cadence on the flagstones as the men marched to the center of the Great Hall and came to a halt facing Heinrich the Fowler's statue, just below a dais that had been erected in front of the sculpture.
