"I know why we are here." I sent him a smile. "Aldir, you aren't really hiding in the shadows in the middle of the room drinking tea." I told him as I walked back to where the other Lances were standing.
"You'll find out soon enough." Aldir told Arthur, and he came back over to me.
"He doesn't know?" Aya spun and winked at Arthur. "How cute, he's so innocent."
"Haha." I laughed at her.
"What aren't you telling me?" He asked us, I shrugged and Aya faced forward.
The cheers were dying down, Elder Virion began to speak. "You all have come a long way to be here, it makes me glad." He waved his arms to the royal families. "These are the people who have been protecting the continent from danger, and the ones who will continue to do just that." The royal families all waved, causing another explosion of cheers.
As I stared at them, Rahdeas was the only one I could stay focused on. It would be quick and easy, right here, I could slide a dagger into the back of his throat. I shook my head; I couldn't kill him in front of the people.
"Now, they may be the people who represent us, and are the figures we know and love." Elder Virion was speaking way different than he usually did, it was cool to see him like this. "But they are not the ones working in the shadows, no, those are different figures we all know and love." He waved one of his arms towards us. "Please, I'd like to introduce, the Lances of Dicathen!"
The three Lances in front of us made their way to the royal families, they turned and greeted each on. Arthur, Sylvie, and I stood there and waited, I knew I wasn't a Lance yet, so I didn't move.
The crowd exploded yet again, this time even louder, then a chant started to grow. The people were all chanting "Lances" at the top of their lungs, they truly did love them.
"Everyone!" Elder Virion spoke, causing the crowd to quiet down. "We are at war, only half of the Lances are here, but it should be obvious why." He paused for a second, then continued. "They are all off on missions and could not make it." Half of the Lances? Oh shit, do the people not know about Lance Alea being dead? I literally told so many people, that's why they were always shocked, shit.
I stood there, silently, waiting to be told what to do. Elder Virion kept on speaking. "Your Lances have already shed a lot of blood for you." Ehh, I feel like I did all the work. "In this time of need, we don't only need strong mages, we need to fight together, that is the only way we can make sure our home doesn't get taken over by these intruders."
I scratched my chin, and then turned to Arthur. "So, we sparring after this?"
"Veer, not now?" He scolded me, and I rolled my eyes and faced forward again.
"When we first brought out the Lances, which was around four years ago, we told you all that the title of a Lance was not limited to only nobles, but that anyone could earn it through hard work. Today, during this desperate time of need and sacrifice, two brothers have risen up, and proven to us that they deserved to be our newest Lances." I hit Arthur in the arm and smiled at him. "Please, everyone, let's welcome Arthur and Virion Leywin!"
Arthur and I walked out onto the balcony, Elder Virion was on the far end, so we had to walk through the royal families and Lances. They all turned to us as we approached them, the crowd was screaming so loud, I couldn't hear a thing besides them.
Varay and Bairon gave us both a head nod, Aya sent both of us a smile. Tessia glared at Arthur, but smiled at me as I walked past her. A small smile formed on Kathyln's face as we locked eyes, Curtis gave us a head nod, and Rahdeas and the Kings and Queens clapped their hands.
I stepped out onto the the opening that overlooked the people where Elder Virion was standing. Arthur and I were both shocked by the sight, leaving us speechless, people of all races gathered in one place, covering every square inch of space below us.
The people were still screaming and clapping, I could feel their excitement from up here, they were cheering for me, this was awesome.
"What are you two doing?" Elder Virion sent a warm smile at Arthur and me. "You've never had a crowd of millions of people cheer for you before or something?"
"Nope." I answered truthfully, taking a step closer to the edge.
"Whose idea was this? To make my brother and I Lances?" Arthur asked Elder Virion as I took one last step toward the edge of the balcony, making it so the people below could see me better. I raised my arm, and waved to the people below, causing them to get even louder. They knew I was only a kid, but didn't care, that's awesome.
"Are you upset?" Elder Virion asked, then turned to me. "It seems like Virion can handle himself, how about you come up and wave as well." He motioned for Arthur to join me.
Arthur stepped up, and the two of us waved down at the people.
I was now officially a Lance!
I could feel the excitement building up inside of me as I thought about the war, and the battles ahead. Uto was already taken care of, which meant the only threat was Cadell if everything else was the same.
Obviously, a huge number of troops is also a threat, I don't think I can defeat forty thousand soldiers by myself, not now at least.
"Continue to wave, they can see us on a projection artifact behind us, that's wide scaled to observe the entire balcony." Elder Virion told the two of us, I noticed Arthur take a peek, but I stayed looking forward. "Now, Arthur, Virion, do you two have a speech ready?"
"Haha." I laughed as I continued to wave. "Do I have a speech ready? You bet I don't, but if you need me to speak, which you told me I didn't have to, I can make some shit up."
"I lied; I wanted the two of you to be the ones to announce what happened yesterday." Elder Virion was being serious, na, na, na, this was too much. "You two both grew up with these people, they will listen to you, more than they would listen to one of us. Virion, most already know who you are, so why don't you go first."
"Arthur, tell him this is a bad idea, and that you should be the one speaking only." I told my brother, not really wanting to speak from my heart in front of these people.
"Veer, I think it's too late for that." Arthur shot me a smile. "You said you knew why you were here, I guess you didn't."
I shrugged. "I'm eleven." Elder Virion shook Arthur's hand, and then mine. "Gramps, I think this is an awful idea, you know I say whatever is on my mind."
"That's what I want, say whatever is on your mind." Right now, killing Rahdeas was on my mind. "Get ready." He faced the crowd. "People of Dicathen!" The crowd started to settle as he spoke. "Most of you know him by the Devil of Dicathen, you know of some his feats, he has proven to us all that he is capable of doing the impossible, but he has done something that we have kept secret, up until now."
I could see the people with my mana enhanced vision, they were both confused and excited, trying to figure out what I had done. I saw my family near the front, my mom and dad were smiling up at us, it made me happy.
"Virion Leywin, an eleven year old, one of the strongest mages I've ever known, has defeated a Retainer of Alacrya." The crowd was silent for a mere second, then the realization of what that meant kicked in, and it went from zero to one hundred in a matter of moments.
Elder Virion turned to me with the mic now off. "See, the people adore the two of you already."
He turned back to the crowd, turning the mic back on, silencing them. "One of their top generals was taken down by our newest Lance, the so called invincible forces Alacrya had was taken down by a mere boy." I was no mere boy, but I see what he's trying to do. "In the process he wasn't hurt in the slightest, now, let's give another round of applause for the boy himself, Virion Leywin." The crowd erupted again, screaming and clapping for me.
Elder Virion turned to me, an eleven year old boy, unclipped the voice amplifying device, and clipped it on my shirt. "It's off at the moment, remember, we are all here, Arthur and I are by yourside, just get the people ready for war."
"Veer, let me make the announcement." Arthur told me.
I sighed. "You know, I hate the two of you." I closed my eyes and thought back to my older world. People gave motivational speeches all the time, of course, I never did, I died at ten. "Alright." I opened my eyes and turned the device on my shirt on.
I stepped up to the crowd of over a million people, the device made a sound, and they began to quiet down. "People of Dicathen." I peeked over at Elder Virion. "Like Commander Virion told you, I defeated a Retainer." I paused, gave it a second, then went on. "The biggest battle of our lives is up ahead, these next days, weeks, months, and years will push each of us to our breaking point." That sounded good in my head, maybe, I don't know, I'm spit balling. "But as a continent, we cannot collapse, we need to take each battle day by day." I turned to Arthur.
"My brother and I grew up with all of you, and despite my age, I know, no matter what, win or lose this war, do not lose hope. If they kill one of us, two more will show up to take their place."
"People die every day, family, friends, but their deaths don't come in vain, they are what pushes us forward, allows us to keep going on, we fight not just for the people alive, but the people we lost."
"I know what it's like to lose a battle, it crushes you, everyone is aware of that, it makes you feel like you are worth nothing. However, it makes you stronger, it gives you knowledge, with every battle, you learn something new about yourself, and your opponent."
"Yes, this enemy is dangerous, but I say let them come. They want a war, let's give them one they won't forget. I may be a Lance now, but I will always be a citizen of Dicathen, and as a citizen, I say, send them all, because it doesn't matter, in the end." I raised my hand. "We will win!"
The crowd erupted, and I smiled and waved, I had no clue if that was good or not, but it didn't matter. I could see my mother with her hand over her mouth, she looked proud. I turned to Elder Virion; he looked proud as well. I took the voice amplifier off of me, turning it off first.
"See, I told you, sometimes being able to speak what's on your mind is a good thing." He placed a hand on my shoulder for a moment. "You did well."
"Thanks." I sent a smile to him and handed the device over to Arthur. "Don't show me up too much."
"Haha." He laughed. "Veer, you did excellent, not what I was expecting out of you at all."
"Well, I wasn't expecting to be able to say anything."
The crowd was still shouting and screaming, it still amazes me. "Alright, Arthur, you're up." Elder Virion told him as he clipped the voice amplifier on to him.
The device turned on, and he began to speak. "Like my brother said, we must continue to fight on. I have read countless books on the history of Dicathen, but in none of them does it say what makes a citizen a citizen, and why they love to live there. Some say it's because they were born there, giving them an inclination toward their homeland."
"An author once said, there is a drop-down effect that first starts with our leader's ability to provide for us, and then makes its way down to parents being able to keep their child healthy. As long as there is security, loyalty will be sustained."
"I disagree with all those claims, loyalty isn't something that is calculated, nor is it something decided at birth. Loyalty is born out of mutual respect between a country's leadership and the people they lead. It may be wrong to even try to define the word, as each of us may carry different meanings in our hearts, just like how we all show our loyalty in our own ways."
"I know one thing though, loyalty is easier when times are easy, it's easy for you to cheer on your Kings and Queens when you are being fed decent meals, and your land is safe. It's easy to stand in an army when you know you are going to win. However, your loyalty to this country is about to be tested, you will be faced with countless decisions, one being, do I die for my people, or live with my enemies."
The crowd was silent, staring up at my brother as he spoke. I was kind of hungry, I had nothing to eat all morning, so I wanted him to wrap this up.
"My brother and I are up here now, which tells you our choice, our loyalty wasn't bought, it wasn't just freely given also, our loyalty came from being raised as a child here, as adventurers, as students, and now my brother and I are Lances."
"Yes, our leaders may have their flaws, but they have tried their best. The three kingdoms have joined together to form a council, which would have been impossible a few generations ago. Discrimination does exist still, but this land belongs to each individual that will fight for it."
"Beyond this city, in the ocean, there are over a hundred ships heading towards the shores. They gave us an option, we give up the lives of the royal families, and in exchange, they take our land from us, without shedding any blood."
"Commander Virion was going to give his life up for all of you, but that was not his call to make."
Arthur motioned for everyone to come forward, I was already standing next to him. "I don't speak for everyone, but I would rather fight the enemy, and risk my life for the people I've grown to love, than betray these people. The enemy makes this promise to shed no more blood, but have they not already separated families."
"Like my brother said, I say send them all, the only thing I know for sure, if given the chance, everyone around me right now, will fight for Dicathen until their last breath, to rid us from these invaders."
The people went silent, we all waited, and waited, then one person shouted. "Long Live Dicathen!" And then the crowd erupted once again with chants.
Sylvie jumped off of my head, she transformed out of her fox form, and into her badass dragon form. She started to spread her wings; they were the width of the entire balcony. Arthur took his sword out and held it high.
Sylvie pointed her head up high, and a roar that shook the floor came out of her. This caused the crowd to scream even louder, seeing such a powerful display before them.
"I should have known." Elder Virion said as Arthur and I turned around, everyone was staring, most likely shocked from the change in events. "Even without preparation, you can speak like that."
Arthur shrugged as I took a step toward the royal families. "I guess I'm good at giving motivational speeches." Sylvie shrank back down to her fox form and jumped onto Arthur's head.
Deciding that I had enough of this, I made my way over to Tess, she sent me a smile as I approached her. "Very well done, Virion." Queen Eralith told me as I walked past her.
"Thank you." I sent her a smile.
"Truly, Virion, good job." King Eralith said. "I'm happy you're officially a Lance now."
"Me too." I stood beside Tess.
"I didn't know you could speak so seriously." Tess told me.
"Haha, I know right." I sent one last wave to the crowd, and everyone started to slowly make their way off of the balcony. I saw Arthur look at Tess, but she looked away. "Trouble in paradise?" I asked as the two of us walked to the teleportation gate.
"What?" She said confused.
"You and Arthur?"
"Shut up, this is not the time." Tess told me, and right before entering, Elder Virion called out to me. I was this close from changing out of these ridiculous clothes.
"Virion, wait up a second." I stopped and motioned for Tess to keep going. I stepped to the side, and the Eraliths and Aya made their way into the teleportation gate. I could see that Aya wanted to come say something, but she followed quickly behind King Eralith.
"What is it?" I asked as Arthur and him approached me.
He pulled out a black coin; it shined in the light. "This here, is one of the two artifacts handed down to me. I gave it to my son when he became the king, but when Alea died, he gave it back, and told me to pick the next Lance."
"So Alea had this?" Arthur asked?
"Yes, it bonds our blood together, giving you a boost in power, allowing you to enter white core. I know the two of you aren't elves, but I would be honored if the two of you served under me. I know you don't need the artifact Virion, but Arthur, it's all yours."
Arthur shook his head no. "I don't need a blood bond to fight for you; it doesn't feel right to cheat my way to white core, and with the horn Veer gave me, I should get there soon."
Aldir stepped into our little circle we had going on. "That's good, there is no reason for you to accept it. The artifact does boost your power, but it also has a limit on it, stopping you from growing any further."
"Arthur, I'm happy you've agreed to serve under me, but what about you Virion." Elder Virion and everyone else turned to me.
"Isn't it obvious, Virions got to stick together." I sent him a smile.
"Good." Elder Virion told Arthur and I, then sent us both a smile. "The Glayders are going to be staying here with their Lances to prepare the city, the ships are close, and we don't exactly know where they are going to be landing."
Arthur responded. "Okay, Veer and I will meet you in the council room when we take care of everything."
"What do we need to take care of?" I asked, confused slightly.
"Sending off, mom and dad." Arthur said, and I rolled my eyes. "I feel the same, Veer, but we can't control them."
"I know."
Aldir's third eye flicked between Arthur and me. "Arthur, Virion, are you prepared for this war?"
"No." Arthur said before I could respond. "I won't lose to any Vritra though."
"Good." Aldir told him.
"Arthur, you are one Vritra down on me, you better pick up the pace." I nudged him in the arm. "You don't want to get shown up by your little brother."
"Haha." Elder Virion laughed as we all stepped through the teleportation gate.