Ancient Pasts - Tbate

The Youngest Lances

Cathan Leywin Pov

Virion, Rahdeas, the lances, and the two royal families turned to us as we walked up towards the balcony edge. The applause rose to a deafening crescendo at my appearance as Virion waited for me at the very end.

While Bairon and Varay had calloused expressions on their faces as they let me through, Aya's lips curled into a coy smile as she nodded approvingly.

As we stepped foot out into the balcony, the morning sun shone brightly overhead, covering the world below in a blanket of light. As my eyes adjusted, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight.

The millions of people—humans, elves, and dwarves alike—gathered together as if touching the horizon. The crowd was cheering, hoping to be a few inches closer to their continent's leaders. I could feel their Excitement, respect, and jubilance.

"What?" Virion smirked. "Never had a crowd of over a million people cheering for you?"

I shook my head with a smile on my face.

"Was this your idea?" Arthur copied my gesture.

"Why? Are you angry?" Virion turned to the crowd, nudging us forward so the people below could get a better view.

"If it was anyone other than you? Yes." I quipped.

"Good. Now keep smiling and waving. The crowd can see you on a wide-scale projection behind us."

The thundering cheers slowly softened to a buzz as everyone except, Virion and I stepped back toward the back of the balcony. "Now. Arthur, you wouldn't happen to have a speech ready for the upcoming war, right?"

"You're kidding me, right?" Arthur said through gritted teeth.

"I'm sure that someone trained by the asuras can make a speech on the fly." Virion smirked.

"Virion. I can't." Arthur started. "I haven't even prepared myself to accept this position as a lance, let alone give a speech as one."

"I didn't want you to prepare. These are your people, Arthur. You grew up amongst them, and they'll listen to you with much more sincerity and empathy than if some spoonfed noble spoke."

"That is if you deliver a well-thought-out speech," I added to the fire.

"Thank you, dearest brother." Arthur rolled his eyes before stepping forward and starting his speech.

***

As Arthur finished his speech, It was utter quiet for what seemed like hours until a single voice broke the silence.

"Long live Dicathen!"

That single proclamation set off an eruption. As if the crowd of over a million people had choreographed their cheer, a thundering chant resounded, shaking the ground and very castle we resided within.

As the cheer grew to its climax, Sylvie transformed from her pearly fox form into that of an almighty dragon.

It was when Sylvie spread out her wings that I remembered how long it's been since I last saw her and her brother. Sylvie's wingspan exceeded the balcony as gales blasted down at the crowd with each beat of her black wings.

The crowd cheered even louder for Sylvie. It was when Azrael transformed into his dragon form that everyone became quiet.

Azrael flew off my shoulder and above the crowd. My black raven bond started glowing a mystical purple color. The glow subsided to show Azrael, who changed a lot during these years.

Azrael was two times larger than Sylvie, with black scales capable of withstanding spells from the strongest conjurer without mana protection. His scales seemed to be slowly turning into a dark red color. His feathers looked as sharp as a sword. His piercing topaz eyes seemed to stare through everyone's soul.