You start your speech and opt to tell the army the truth. That the road ahead is fraught with danger and the presence of so many will no doubt awaken the Deepwood to your presence. You encourage them to stay sharp and keep with the formation at all times but your words have little effect. You realize they have no problem believing in the danger that awaits them, but they do need help believing in the mission.

Changing tack, you shift your focus to the reasons they are walking into the Deepwood. Verum and all within her are in danger from the plague, but there is hope, and that hope is them. They can turn the tide and defeat the plague. They have one task, to march into the Heart of Darkness. If they complete this one task, their families, their friends, and this fine city will survive. The more you talk, the brighter their countenances become, and as you conclude the soldiers smash weapons on flagstone in a military hurrah. They are ready.