Balam: Virgo the Pure (Trials of the Zodiac Book 2)

A PARADE OF HEROES

BALAM

"All hail, King Zakhar the Berserker! All hail King Balam the Sabretooth! All hail Jalen the Riptide! All hail Kai the Wall! All hail Rashid the Knight!" The resounding chorus of cheers rang through the grandeur of the castle's throne room. As we walked through the hallowed halls, the walls seemed to pulsate with the rich history of our people. At the same time, giants of all kinds, regal and magnificent, lined the passageways, their presence a testament to the unity we had achieved.Jalen strode forward, clad in seafoam-blue armor meticulously crafted to resemble the fearsome visage of a kraken, a colossal squid demon. The beast's crimson eyes, which appeared to be ablaze, were ingeniously recreated using exquisite rubies. He had bravely led a battle in the ocean, commanding a legion of water magicians to drive the Kraken into a panicked and unsuccessful retreat.Walking alongside Jalen, Kai was resplendent in forest-green armor that had been fashioned from the pelt of a mighty elk native to Nidavellir. This revered creature was known for its mossy hide, capable of mending wounds, and its diamond-hard antlers. Kai had been dispatched to Nidavellir, where he diligently safeguarded their shores and vanquished numerous Frost Beasts, creatures imbued with the chilling power of ice.Marching ahead, Rashid led the way in crimson armor made to look like a raptor, with a genial wave to the children who had gathered, their eager faces beaming with admiration. He had been transported to the front lines, serving as a general and singlehandedly fending off thirty colossal dinosaurs. Over the past three days, however, he had withdrawn into himself. Rashid had been oddly saddened by the battle.As we walked, Zakhar held my hand firmly. He had stayed within arm's reach of me since the failed invasion. Together, we gazed at the expectant crowd that had gathered to witness us for the first time since the battle. The cacophony of voices swelled around us, an overwhelming symphony of jubilation that seemed to reverberate with the very earth beneath our feet.My regal armor forged to look like a copper willow tree, felt like a second skin. Priest Alvis had ordered it to cement me as the symbol of new life and balance. The leaves were crafted from stained glass, and the flowers were crafted from gold. It stood out against Zakhar's white armor, which had engravings of mountain ranges, his ancestral armor.The air was thick with burning incense, filling the chamber with a mystical aroma, a symbol of reverence and solemnity. It wafted around us, mingling with the sweet fragrance of the multitude of flowers and offerings that adorned the grand hall.As we approached the throne room in our human-sized forms, the grand double doors swung open, revealing Priest Alvis waiting at the threshold, now the General of Mystic Arts. He was rewarded with the position due to his actions in the exercise. He stood there, solemn and resolute, patiently awaiting our arrival to take our rightful seats. At this moment, he would formally announce the new rulers of the fire and frost giants, sealing their fates as the Kings and Queens of the powerful nations.Sitting on the magnificent throne crafted from a child of the sacred oak tree, I felt a profound sense of connection and responsibility. The intricate etchings adorned the living wood depicted mammoths, dire wolves, and other wondrous creatures.My hand moved across the smooth, weathered wood, tracing the stories on its surface. Each carving conveyed the strength and unity that had defined the mountain giants for generations. I was now a part of this lineage, bearing the weight of my predecessors' legacies.With each contact, I sensed the living spirit of the ancient sacred tree throne, an entity that had witnessed the rise and fall of giants throughout the ages. It was more than a symbol of power; it was a silent witness, a guardian that stood as a testament to our enduring bond with the natural world.As my fellow Zodiacs occupied their ceremonial chairs, the room around them gradually fell silent. The collective hush was a testament to the moment's significance, honoring the courage, bravery, and unity that had brought these heroes together. They now symbolized the very essence of this united realm, and their presence commanded the utmost respect and admiration.As the room fell into a peaceful silence, Priest Alvis stood at the doors, his staff gleaming in the ambient light. It was largely ceremonial, made of carved stone that resembled a mammoth tusk.With a commanding presence, he raised his voice to address the assembly, "Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, and brave warriors, we are gathered here to witness the dawning of a new era in our realm, one of unity and strength."The towering doors creaked open, and in walked Queen Mona, riding atop a colossal golem. These stone creatures, brought to life through a mix of magic and Dwarven craftsmanship, moved with an air of stoic determination. The golem's rocky form emanated a sense of enduring fortitude, their incredible strength and durability evident in every chiseled detail. Random rocks adorned Mona's golem's surface: some were polished, and others were dented.With a new scar on her face, Queen Mona entered the room with an unyielding spirit. The scar etched across her face was earned as she defended her kingdom like Zakhar and I had done for ours. She held her head high like it was a badge of honor. As the crowd gazed upon the scene before them, a wave of admiration and respect filled the room. The dwarves and giant-born of the hunt screamed from their seats.Priest Alvis said, "Ladies and gentlemen, behold our beloved Queen Mona, who carries the weight of our realm on her shoulders, leading us with unbreakable resolve. Let us celebrate her indomitable spirit, strength, and commitment to our united future." The room applauded, acknowledging the scarred but proud Queen and the unity they all now shared.As Queen Mona took her seat to the left of Zakhar, I couldn't help but offer her a respectful wave, and in return, she dipped her head in acknowledgment. It was a subtle gesture, but it symbolized her respect for the alliance we were forging, and it warmed my heart.With his dignified presence, Priest Alvis announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you the new fire giant king, Sun King Ketil Helvig. A ruler whose wisdom and scholarship will guide his people into a new era of harmony."Sun King Ketil Helvig. He stood in stark contrast to the imposing presence of his predecessors. With shorter horns and eyes that glowed a gentle yellow instead of the fiery red. At his side was his wife, a half-fire giant."Thank you all. I understand the weight of my responsibility, and I promise to lead our kingdom with wisdom and unity," Ketil Helvig said.The new fire giant king's wife, Queen Nativa, whose presence radiated warmth and vitality, had striking features that set her apart from the others in the room. Her skin was a vibrant shade of orange, like glowing embers, and her captivating red eyes were like flickering flames dancing in the night.Kai leaned toward me and whispered, "She reminds me of a candle fairy. Her body flickers like a little fire." I couldn't help but smile at Kai's observation. I had seen drawings of the creatures, and she looked just like how I remembered it. At that moment, as I watched the new Queen take her seat beside her husband, I wondered what the fae realm was like, as I had never been.Priest Alvis cleared his throat, the soft echo cutting through the peaceful room as everyone's attention shifted toward the entrance. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the new Frost Queen, Her Majesty Artis."A figure emerged into the grand hall as the imposing doors swung open. Queen Artis was a striking sight to behold – relatively young for a giant, her porcelain skin had just started gaining the subtle blue tinge that was the hallmark of her kind. Her long, flowing brown hair cascaded down her back, contrasting with her cool blue skin and accentuating her youth. She was sitting on a huge polar bear with unnatural blue eyes. Its fangs and claws glowed with frosty blue energy. It was a frost beast and a powerful one at that.I leaned in and whispered to Zakhar, "I'm still surprised she surrendered so soon."Zakhar nodded in agreement. "My scrolls mentioned that Frost Giants are known for their reverence of strength. She was on one of the warships and probably saw Jalen taking down the Krakens, knowing she wouldn't win. Queen Artis made a wise choice in joining our cause, recognizing that unity is the path to a better future."Queen Artis went to her throne and gazed at the group before dismounting her beast and sitting without a word. I could see a hint of pink on her cheeks, leading me to assume she was shy. Zakhar stood when all the royals were seated, prepared to make his speech. He gave me one last look before he turned to the crowd.Watching Zakhar rise before the assembly, my heart was in turmoil. It was a love that had taken me by surprise, fast and bewildering, unlike anything I had ever experienced. Falling in love at first sight seemed improbable, even for beings like us, but there I stood, tangled in a web of emotions that defied explanation.My love for Zakhar was unlike anything I'd ever known, a sentiment that refused to be ignored. It was a force that transcended logic and reason, enveloping me in a comforting and unnerving warmth."Ladies and gentlemen, sovereigns and rulers of the Jotun kingdoms," Zakhar's voice rose like a trumpet, commanding the rapt attention of all present."Today, we mark the dawn of a new era, an era where we shall no longer stand as isolated continents, but rather as a unified world, borne of the trials and tribulations we have faced together," he declared, the very foundations of the hall trembling with the weight of his proclamation.Zakhar continued, "We have witnessed the horrors of war born from dark influences and the unbearable losses needless violence has caused our people. Yet, we must not forget our fallen, for it is through our shared sacrifice that we find the strength to stand as one against the impending threat of Ophiuchus."His words lingered in the air, resonating in the hearts of the giants who had come to witness this momentous occasion. The name sent a chill through the room, which was more like an arena."Know this," Zakhar emphasized, "there will be more losses on our path. But we must take solace in the knowledge that we have the power of the Zodiac and, with it, the very favor of fate itself. We have the authority to shape our destinies and protect our homes, for we inherit a legacy that transcends the ages."As he spoke, I watched the faces of those around me transform from uncertainty to resolute determination, ignited by the zeal of Zakhar's leadership. He had kindled a fire in the hearts of giants, a belief that together, even in the shadow of adversity, we possessed the strength to overcome any obstacle."In unity, courage, and forgiveness, let us stride forward," Zakhar's voice rang with a triumphant cadence, "Giants shall not waver, and in the memory of those we've lost, we shall secure a brighter, unbreakable future for our people, a future that can withstand the fiercest tempest and shine even in the darkest of nights."His concluding words hung in the air like a vow, a promise that the giants would rise to meet future challenges. The once-divided realms had awakened to a new destiny, and the crowd erupted into fervent applause, ready to embrace the collective destiny they were now set to forge.As Zakhar's resounding speech reached its climax, I felt an exhilaration surge through me, a newfound sense of hope and shared purpose that lifted the weight of the past from our shoulders. At that moment, I was an individual and a part of something far more significant. This indomitable force could face the impending storm.Moved by this overwhelming unity, I stood beside Zakhar, our hands clasped together. To my left, Queen Avis rose and grabbed mine, and King Ketil stood and grabbed Zakhar's. Then, we raised our joined fists, a symbol of strength, determination, and solidarity. The thunderous applause that followed was deafening, a jubilant outpouring of support, determination, and shared destiny.The crowd's thunderous roar resonated throughout the grand assembly hall, echoing the collective will of Jotunheim. With our united forces, we would be prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, to protect our lands, and to honor the sacrifices of the fallen. We were a united front, a force that could not be broken.In this historic moment, we set forth on a new path. With the power of the Zodiac and the favor of fate, we would rise to meet any challenge, undaunted and unyielding. The giants' future had been forever changed. In the aftermath of this assembly, we marched toward a shared destiny that would shape our realms for generations to come.