#the refugee camp that Kel os the commander of during the Scanra war

[thiatereika]

" 'You all know why we're here,' she told them. 'You know the enemy. He will be on soon. When he comes, we will fight not for some glorious cause, but to survive. The gods have given us time to prepare, we must take advantage of every moment of it. Once the enemy comes, how safe we'll be is determined by these walls and the people in them.'

' You've built our home well. It's true what they say, that northern woodsmen build the very best.' That made the civilians happy; they grinned and clapped one another on the back. Kel smiled. When it was quiet again, she continued. ' We'll finish building together. The more we do before our guests come, the more time we'll have for weapons training with everyone, including civilians, who can hold a bow - or a spear.' The convicts chuckled. She went on, ' If you have problems, or questions - officers, note this - you will see me everyday. You must tell me. I won't know anything if you don't speak up, and if it's something that can be fixed, I'd as soon fix it right away. You look at me and see I'm young. I look at me and see I'm young.' All of them laughed as their eyes remained fixed on her. 'I have seen combat in my years is a Squire to the Knight Commander of the King's Own and I'm willing to learn more, if you'll be my teachers.'

Kel took a deep breath. 'That's all I have to say. We'll hammer out the rest as we build this haven for those who have lost their homes. Now I'll let you go to your beds. Tomorrow comes soon.' She looked down, then had an idea. 'Who's the best woodworker here? Signs and suchlike?'

There was a murmur among the civilians. They pointed at one man, a burly fellow with straggly red hair.

' First thing in the morning, will you make a sign? It's got to be large enough to read across the river. It should carry the word 'Haven'. Not fort, just Haven. Because that's what we are.' The man nodded as a pleased murmur swept through the room. 'I thank you for your attention.' Kel said, and stepped off the box."

Lady Knight by Tamora Pierce