"Dirtclaw, stop crying!"
Delilah gently reminded Dirtclaw, and he immediately stifled his sobs.
Forcing himself to suppress the overwhelming emotions in his heart, Dirtclaw raised his head. He looked at Delilah, then at Orion, and finally at all the members of the council.
"I swear in the name of Anubis, Dirtclaw will protect the chieftain, defend Blackstone City, and serve the horde. I am willing to dedicate everything I have to the great Stoneheart Horde!"
Orion smiled faintly. He wasn't sure if this heartfelt declaration came entirely from Dirtclaw's own emotions or if it was orchestrated by Elder of Stewardship Delilah.
Either way, the result was exactly what Orion wanted.
Dirtclaw's sincere words moved the council members, stirring something deep within them.
For example, Rockwell, the obsidian golem, felt a pang of shame. He had once considered leaving the Stoneheart Horde, a decision he now regarded as a disgrace.