tbate | The Storm Gods Chosen [Dropped]

Ch 91 Speech

Virion, Buhnd, the lances, and the two royal families all turned to us as I walked up towards the balcony edge. The applause rose to a deafening crescendo at my appearance as Virion waited for me at the very end.

While Varay had a calloused expression on her face and Vanesy had an approving smile they let us through, Aya's lips curled into a coy smile as she nodded approvingly.

Kathyln's eyes creased in a rare smile. Her brother, Curtis, waved while his parents and the rest of the central figures on the balcony joined the crowd's applause.

As the five of us stepped foot out into the balcony, the morning sun shone brightly overhead, covering the world below in a blanket of light. As my eyes adjusted, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight.

The millions of people-humans, elves, and dwarves alike-gathered together, as if touching the horizon. Clustered tightly, hoping to just be an inch closer to their continent's leaders. An air of excitement, respect and jubilance could be felt all the way up here.

"What?" Virion smirked. "Never had a crowd of over a million people cheer for you?"

Art shook his head with a helpless smile on his face, remembering the many times he had in his past life. "Was this your idea?" he asked.

"Why? Are you angry?" Virion turned to the crowd, nudging me forward so the people below could get a better view of me.

"If it was anyone other than you? Yes."

"Good. Now keep smiling and waving at them. They can see you on a wide-scale projection behind us."

Taking a quick glance at the enormous projection behind me, I couldn't help but think of Emily Watsken when she had disclosed to me in class that she was the one that designed this apparition. Looking back ahead, I raised an arm and waved to the mass, Zeph following suit atop my shoulder.

The thundering cheers slowly softened to a buzz of excitement as everyone except Virion and I stepped back toward the back of the balcony. "Now. You wouldn't happen to have a speech ready for the upcoming war, right?"

"Virion you son of a bitch" I struggled to maintain a calm smile, I could feel the others' unease leaking onto me.

"I want you to be the one presenting the announcement," Virion said, his voice unwavering as he handed me the voice amplifying artifact he had clipped onto his collar.

"Virion. I can't." My voice faltered as the people below waited excitedly for someone to speak. "I am not a good public speaker."

"I didn't want you to prepare. These are your people, Alexander. You grew up amongst them and they'll listen to you with much more sincerity and empathy than if some spoonfed noble spoke."

"That's only if I deliver a well-thought-out speech," I argued as I turned to shake Virion's hand as an excuse to prolong the inevitable.

"I trust you. Just speak from your heart." Virion stepped back as the trickle of cheers silenced into an anxious rest.

While even the closest people in the mass were no larger than the nail of my thumb from where I was standing, I was still able to find my parents amongst them with Adam hogtied on Durden's shoulder.

The apprehension that came with unpreparedness dwindled as I locked eyes with my mother Helen. Even with augmented vision, I was barely able to make out the gentle smile on her face, but that was enough.

I knew what to say.

Letting out a deep breath, I stood at the edge of the castle balcony and turned on the voice amplifying artifact.