Chapter 62: The Final Challenge, Part 3
A hand settled heavily on his shoulder, squeezed it, and he looked up, but immediately shied away from the smile on Teric's face.
When the crowd finally quieted, Montague resumed speaking, voice somehow louder and clearer than ever. "The last vote goes to the people, all those gathered here today. If you have a vote, declare the name!"
Rath was absolutely certain that he never again wanted to hear so many people chanting his name that loudly ever again. But right then, it was the sweetest thing he'd ever heard.
When the crowd was finally wrangled into silence again, Teric grabbed Rath's wrist and lifted it. "Master Rathatayen, Royal Champion of the Tournament of Charlet! I think it's long past time his prize came down and rewarded him!"
Nobody even bothered to try calming the crowd at that point, and the noise and fervor only grew as Tress jumped over the edge of the stands and ran for the stage.