Blackstar's oath

**B****lackstar's oath** is an oath originated by Fleck Blackstar among the rabbits of Natalia. Though originally serving as the oath only of Black Star Company, it afterwards expanded to include the entire Natalian military by the time of King Jupiter.

## The oath

Originally, the oath consisted only of:

*My place beside you,*
*My blood for yours.*
During the Battle of Ayman Lake, however, Fleck added additional lines that were later adopted for the full oath. He did this in honor and to preserve the memory and destiny of Kings in Natalia. As Whitson had told him, the tradition back in Golden Coast was to name your heir and bestow upon them the Green Ember, a sign as the heir’s right to rule over Natalia. The oath became this:

*My place besides you,*
*My blood for yours.*
*Till the Green Ember rises*
*Or the end of the world.*
## History

### *The Black Star of Kingston*

The oath originates as a vow of loyalty by Fleck Blackstar, who repeats it with the bucks of Blackstar Company at the end of every training session. The group later recites it on the deck of *Vanguard* when Fleck calls for it while reprimanding Gavin, arousing the interest of the crew. Fleck applies the words directly to himself and Gavin to impress the importance of duty upon the younger buck. When Galt temporarily takes over the company's training while Fleck is incapacitated, he doesn't continue the practice.

Fleck reinstates the oath upon his return to duty, and after the awkward first recitation encourages his despondent bucks. Later, he attempts to comfort a maddened Gavin with the oath, but is interrupted by Gavin's warnings about the Lords of Prey. Fleck later invokes the oath again to convince Galt to accompany him back to *Vanguard* after the two are washed ashore on Dopple's Point. After Galt deserts, Fleck adds the oath's final lines as he shouts it before diving back into Ayman Lake. It would be repeated often as the tale was recounted, eventually becoming the rallying cry of all who are loyal to Whitson and his line.

### *The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner*

After Whitson concludes his speech to rally the crew of *Steadfast*, Brindle Cove leads them in reciting the oath.

### *The Green Ember*

After the near disaster at Helmer's tree, Smalls recites the oath while saluting Helmer. Victor Blackstar later does the same in bidding farewell to Heather and Picket Longtreader and Emma. Picket repeats the latter half after Emma expresses her loyalty to the Longtreaders. Later, he recites the oath in full after rescuing Smalls at Jupiter's Crossing.

### *Ember Falls*

Perkinson recites the last half of the oath to Picket as an affirmation of friendship at Halfwind Citadel. Frye later yells the final line as a battle cry. Kylen recites the full oath as he joins the forces preparing to march to Cloud Mountain, and the soldiers join him. Perkinson later repeats the first line of the oath as an assurance to Picket.

Before beginning the Battle of Rockback Valley, the rabbit advance forces recite the oath together. Later, Picket leads the able survivors of the battle in pledging themselves to Emma with the oath.

### *Ember Rising*/*The Archer's Cup*

Cole Blackstar, Jo Shanks, and Picket recite part of the oath as they part ways at Jupiter’s Crossing. Morgan Booker leads several bucks of Vandalia Citadel in speaking the oath to Emma. Heyna Blackstar repeats the second line to Emma after the two befriend each other. As they near Blackstone Citadel, Jo repeats the latter half of the oath to affirm his loyalty to and support for Emma.

Amber Hewson refers to the last line of the oath as she befriends Emma. The inhabitants of Blackstone, led by Lead Captain Truff, recite the oath as they pledge themselves to Emma’s service. Blackstar's oath also serves as a chorus line in the Song of the Resistance.

### *Ember's End*

Frye recites the oath to Emma shortly before the Siege of First Warren, and Cole alludes to it as he pledges Kingston Citadel's forces to Helmer. Emma later makes the oath before her army just as the battle begins. Later, she jokingly berates Picket for shielding her, noting that the oath is “'my place beside you', not 'my place blocking your view.'” Picket utters the second line as he makes his final charge against Morbin.