The Bards' Guild of Erdreja | How the Volksraad was Formed

How the Volksraad was Formed
A Legend of Armengar

Note from Cosaint:
While most of Heramacles' scriptures focus themselves on historically identifiable events (the Arrival and his Death are prime examples), the tale of the formation of the Volksraad appears to be a more abstract tale intended as a lesson to his people. While the establishment of a form of government is doubtless a significant undertaking, it is not what occurs which is important, but the attitudes of the people which are the focus of this tale.

Self-determination is the most important lesson which this scripture has to teach. At the beginning of the tale, the people of Armengar are lost for they have always had someone to tell them how to live their lives. Heramacles' response to them is quite stern. Only those who are willing to take up the burden of freedom have the right to experience it. To look to another to tell you what is right and wrong is acceptable only for children - as adults we must learn our own lessons and make our own decisions.

Listen to the Tales of Heramacles, and be wise!

Now it came to pass, in the days after we arrived on this island and began to settle down here, that the question of governance arose. We had not governed ourselves for longer than any could recall, and none now knew how such things had been done in the days before our enslavement.
The people went, therefore, to Heramacles, who had led us out of slavery, and asked him to be king, and to rule us, for all we knew of governance was what we had seen in the lands of the sand-devils, who were ruled by a mighty king.

But Heramacles refused to be king, saying, "I am no ruler, only a humble farmer. I cannot govern you."

And the people were disappointed, and protested, saying, "You led us out of the land of the sand-devils to this place where we can be free. You alone knew where we could go; you alone roused us all to follow you. You are our leader; you must be our ruler."

And Heramacles spoke again, and said, "It is true that I led you here, and that you chose to follow me where I led. But I did only what had to be done, as the Ancestors showed me. Perhaps I am a leader, but I am no ruler."

And the people protested once more, saying, "But if you, who know the will of the Ancestors, will not rule us, who will? How can we know what is or is not lawful, if you will not tell us? Rule us, Heramacles, lest we fall into chaos and destroy ourselves utterly!"

And Heramacles grew wrathful, and spoke sternly, saying, "What? Are you little children who do not yet know right from wrong? Must you have a father to beat you when you err? Better you had remained slaves all your days, if that is so."

And the people were chastised, and went away, and Heramacles returned to his farming.

And in due course the people returned to Heramacles, and said, "We have thought long on this matter of governance, yet still we do not see how we may live peacefully if we have not a king to rule us. Please, tell us what we should do."

And Heramacles remembered that before this, the people had known only what it was to be ruled, and his wrath left him. And he spoke to the people, saying, "You must forgive me that I was wroth with you, for I had forgotten that you know only what it is to be ruled. But now you are free, and may rule yourselves."

"But how should we do so?" the people asked.

Then Heramacles rose, and led them to the centre of the citadel, where a great building rose high above those around it. And they entered the building, and found a great hall, with seats tiered all around it, where many thousands might meet. "Go," said Heramacles, "and call those who are not here. Bring your sisters and brothers, your parents and children and friends. Bring all the people here to this hall."

And the people scattered to do his bidding, and soon all were assembled.

And Heramacles spoke to the assembly, saying, "You have asked me to be your king, for you know naught but how it is to be ruled. Yet I say to you now, you shall rule yourselves; you have no need of kings or princes. Here in this hall, let everyone gather, as often as may be needed, but at least four times in the year. Here all may speak without fear or favour, expressing their opinions freely. Here you shall debate your laws and governance, and when all have spoken who wish to, here you shall vote, that all may have a voice in matters of importance. Thus shall you rule yourselves fairly and freely. Does this content you?"

And the people applauded the wisdom of Heramacles, and agreed that it should be as he said, and were well content. And to this day, we meet in the Volksraad, as he taught us, to rule ourselves.