Swift and the Sword - Inktober 2017 (COMPLETE!)

Chapter 29: United

Chapter 29: United

The sound of the crowd in the grounds before the castle filled the air, mixing with the mutter of those in the large ballroom, waiting for the next move to make. With the royal family out of commission, there had been little ruling until Sensei had taken control with a growl of annoyances members of the aristocrat attempted to play leader in their arrogance and failed within five minutes of their puffed chested talks.

"what do we do now," I asked as I stepped into a side room set up for Sensi, Banes, Mr Spade, Shadow and I at the quest for some privacy to rest. Well Mr Spade request really.

Though, it was ore of a demand really... I thought amused thinking back to his exclamation that everyone rushed to fulfil as they watched the mouse in his cage with slight fear evident in their eyes.

"If I suggest something," Mr Spade said, before he threw another shrimp he air, catching it in his mouth, much to shadows delight.

"And that is?"

"Unity," He said as if he had made all the sense in the world.

Almost as bad as the aristocrats...

"Unity?" I questioned as I wiped the crumbs of Shadow as she happily munched her cake slice.

"Yes unity," he said proudly as he stood tall and walked into the middle of the room, all eyes on him as he seem to do what he does best.

"This town and many around it have faced many forces of burden all bearing marks on our lives and our relationships. Right now, what this town needs more than anything is a lantern to guide it, my dear child. A light of hope for a better future, which comes in the focus of its hero."

He smiled at me.

I looked to protest

"He is right," Sensei said stepping up.

"But-"

"No, pup. Not buts." Sensei said softly, coming to place a hand upon my shoulder.

"Listen here and listen carefully. Do not leave this town and the others as I had. Do not make that mistake. The reason why the witch was able to come back and cause harm as she once did before was not just because of the sword, it was because I had not fulfilled my full duty to this kingdom. I had not fulfilled the true duty of a hero"

"True duty"? I questioned confused.

"Yes pup" Sensei said, looking me into the eye earnestly. "One thing a hero must never forget is that the after-effects of the war are also to be taken care of. The doubt, the fear and the anger it causes, they cannot be ignored. One must handle them before they become to cause for the next. The witch may be powerful, but the mind is stronger. The only possible way she could have taken control is if what she said is what they truly, in their hearts believed to be what they wanted"

The manipulation... I thought as our first battle once again in my mind.

"don't leave the loose ends as I did, Pup" Sensei continue gravely "Be there hero properly and save them from their own dark holes. Be the light in the darkness, the guide out of the put they feel in so if anyone else anything like the witch appears, you can be sure they will not fall for h their trap so easily, young hero. Remind people to stand united and heal the wounds of this war properly"

"But... How am I supposed to do this?!" I asked as my nerves grew out of control.

He seemed to think for a minute, before he said simply, "Take the sword"

"The sword?"

He nodded.

"Yes. Though they had heard of it and my attempt with using it, they have never really seen it. Seeing you hold it, and shine with its power and its true owner. They will have to listen to you, to believe you" He said, his hands tightening on my arms with comfort.

"Now go little pup, and unite your people"

I hesitated but nodded.

With a deep breath and sweaty palms, I started to walk towards the podium, but not before grabbing Sensei's arm and Barnes' arms

"What are you doing pup?" Sensei questioned with surprise but is not reluctant with movement.

Barnes hummed his agreement with the question

"Mr Spade" I said, ignoring their question.

"Yes my child?" He called with amusement from where he watched the scene.

"Come with us, please"

"Of course my child," He said, following obediently, with a spring in his step, as he petted his new pet rat a little too harshly.

"Swift?" Barnes said, as he saw the direction I am taking them in. The Aristocats in the room came to a silent stare towards us as I walked with purpose, head held high.

He continued, questioning "where are you taking us?"

"To the podium, of course," I said finally, as we stepped up to the door, before the door that lead it.

"The podium?" they repeated in surprise.

"Yes", I said as I threw them a grin over my shoulder "The people want to meet their heroes, not hero. So meet their heroes they shall"

And before they can say another word, Mr Spade threw open the doors to the podium and we stepped out to greet the awaiting audience.

~*~

"After many years of darkness, this town has found a new light, a reason to strive for, a hope for a better life and it was all suddenly pulled away beneath us by the likes of those we trusted.

But not anymore.

No longer shall we bare the brute of a war long ago, not the battle just fought.

Now we shall rise against the darkness and show them just how strong the good can be!

We shall join hands in unity and set things right, for now and a better future, to learn from our mistakes and our bitterness.

And now we must not let the darkness win.

We shall stand united and not fall!"

Cheers erupted from the nation as they greeted this new guidance in the form of their new heroes