'Tell them to get ready! If you're teachers, then you understand how important this moment is for Eldarn. One Twinmoon more. Then this world will be in your hands. If you know of outlaw classrooms elsewhere, in Praga or Rona or Gorsk, wherever they are, get word to them. I want it spreading like a prairie fire: Eldarn will be free in one Twinmoon.'

'Excuse me, sir.' The little professor with the pinched nose took Steven by the forearm and dropped it as quickly as if he'd been shocked with a bolt of electricity. His eyes widened and he backed a few steps towards the brazier.

'What is it, professor?'
'Sir, who are you?'
Steven looked at Gilmour and then grinned. 'We're the Larion Senators.'