Once more into the breach dear friends

They come here today to deal murder. We do not barter with murderers but we do offer them a gift, one they treasure; today we offer them the gift of death. Let the sky be gracious and rain it down upon them, and the sea beneficent and drown them in it, but the earth need not stir. For the only death dealers on land today will be you. On this day, we are the epitome of death; she is our destiny, our trade and our dearest friend. Embrace her now and charge with me, for if you withdraw from her arms it will define whether she rides with you or against you. Defenders of the Rock, onward to glory, onwards to Death!

So began a fateful day with the sun at their backs, and though much was decided and a lot changed, the stubborn sun was unmoved and still set at the end of the day.