Old Majiya didn't answer his son, nor did he leave the table.
"Oh ignorant people, let me tell you a story."
The minstrel picked up his lute, playing and singing:
"Half a century ago, Emperor Richard Lietyang ruled the land, granted power by a bloodline tracing back hundreds of years to ancient deities.
"Yet two vipers coiled beneath the emperor's feet, one viper said: 'Your golden crown is bestowed by my master,' the other viper said: 'Your throne comes from the people's consent.'
"The vipers bit at the emperor's body, Richard courageously fought them, trampling the viper with the Holy Emblem underfoot, while the other viper bit Richard's arm.
"Brave Richard, to avoid a poisoned death, heroically severed his arm, along with the viper, throwing them both into the mountains."
"This!" The minstrel struck a heavy note, ending the chant crisply: "is the origin of the Alliance!"
