Chapter 82 - The King's Speech

Jakob narrowed his eyes to try and get a better view of the king, and surprisingly enough even with the sun shining down into his eyes and the distance, he was able to see the king in far greater detail than he expected, and it was enough to leave him jealous.

Immaculate black hair, with an unblemished face that shone and eyes the colour of the ocean, the king was quite the sight and Jakob knew the women around him were probably already fawning over him. How was it fair that he'd been born with good looks, riches, and power?

How was that fair at all?

He'd been born with little of value.

The king was dressed in what looked like a mix of fancy clothes and armour, which shone alongside the palace. Jakob for whatever reason had expected the king to look at least a bit nervous but from what he could see the king looked completely confident. It wasn't arrogance on his face as one might expect but confidence, at least that was what Jakob thought,

The king slowly raised a hand that seemed to hold some sort of object which he brought to his lips. Jakob was confused for a second but then the king's voice boomed across the crowd, full of confidence and a cold determination that sent shivers up Jakob's spine.

"Welcome people of Larra. I am glad to see that so many have come to witness the beginning of the rebirth of this kingdom. As I am sure that many of you are very curious as to what this is about, I shall not mince words or speak falsities as your precious heirs might have done were they in my current position. Instead, I shall begin my reign with the truth."

The voice held power and a weight that people of authority seemed to have, but this was different, It was like the voice was pressing down on him, not in a painful or uncomfortable way, but just as a sign or a signal which his body and mind seemed to be reacting to. He'd didn't think he could tear his eyes away from the king even if he wanted to.

"I came to this kingdom as strange from a distant land, I'd lost my home, my family and much of what I was. I knew little of this place, or its people or even its trouble, but quickly learned and fate alongside my power led me further down the path of this kingdom. I have seen the suffering and pain the war brought and have even spent time with the least fortunate of you. A simple village which I liberated. Let me make this clear, I was not born powerful, nor particularly wealthy, and my power was a gift with which I could have done more. Many of you see me as a tyrant and to that, I ask why? What have I done to deserve such a title, but I suppose I cannot blame you. After all, that three heirs you had were quite the nasty bunch. I know you know of what I speak of."

The crowd was completely enraptured, as were the guards, soldiers, and everyone else who could hear the voice of the king.

"I liberated this kingdom and though it may not seem that way, I want you all to know that I plan to make this kingdom greater, not just in power and wealth but in the strength of our character and our morality for I have seen the darker side of life here, forced upon you by the actions of those who should be helping and protecting you, who should be nurturing this kingdom to greater heights. They have erred and lied and you are the ones who have paid for their lies and mistakes. I do not ask for your complete trust, for I would be a fool to do so after what this kingdom and its people, you, have gone through, I only ask for a chance, A chance to prove myself worthy of this throne, of this crown, your loyalty, and trust."

Jakob could see the crowd getting riled up, not in a bad way, but the king's words were starting something, beginning something, sparks were igniting, but Jakob couldn't tell what they were off.

"In the upcoming days there will be many changes to this kingdom, changes to help us grow, in all ways, and I will not lie, it will not be easy, and there will be challenges for us to face, but this time you, the people, will not be alone, you will have me."

The king's eyes grew hard and he raised a hand into the air.

"AND MY POWER!"

The king's hand sliced through the air and the ground rumbled as the figures appeared around the kingdom and within the nearby area.

Gasps could be heard and Jakob's eyes widen as his gaze immediately locked onto the green giant that had just appeared in the empty space. Jakob had never seen anything so big before and he felt a primal urge to run, something the others around him also seemed to feel, but before anyone could scream, run, or panic, the king's voice boomed out once more, louder this time and with a sense of command that seemed to encompass all.

"BE CALM! What you see are allies of this kingdom, those which will help you, help us, through the challenges we will face, it is these allies who stopped the army who sought to march upon our walls and cause havoc to you and our kingdom. It is these allies who will allow us to grow and who will defend us in our times of need. I ask that you remain calm as I introduce you to them."

The king's words seemed to work and the crowd calmed, though most still glanced wearily at the green giant, but it didn't seem to be moving much. Its eyes were fixed on the king and were full of respect and happiness. The eyes of a loyal follower.

It was then that people finally started to notice the others.

The green giant was not alone.