Chapter 13: Voices of Glory (Part 5)

“Everyone, please stand according to your unit identifiable through your unit’s crest and banner in front row….”

The announcement continued as both Mike and I walked toward the main courtyard. Thousands of people were also busy assembling according to their units.

“Hey Claude, over there. That’s where we are supposed to assemble!” Mike nudged me when he saw our Elites’ banner with our crest on it at the front of the main stage. This was the same main stage that Captain Rizzou showed me the other day. It was now completed and I have to say, it looked amazing and regal indeed. Various flags and banners too were arranged at the back of the main stage.

As soon as we arrived at our intended location, we could hear Captain Rizzou’s word. He was standing at the front most, just beneath the main stage as he directed each and every one of us on where we were supposed to stand.

Captain Rizzou continued to direct us,

“Everyone, you have your enveloped with numbers with you alright. Keep that envelope with you at all times. Now, all of you can stand freely anywhere within your units. Please keep in mind no to go to other units, as their instructions are very different from us. Understand, everyone?”

“Well, Claude. Let’s stand over there.”

Mike suggested to me that we are to stand nearest to the aisle that was made to separate us from other units.

“Easier for us to move in and to move out. Besides, look over there, Claude.” Mike suddenly pointed in a direction just opposite of us. His action took me by surprise.

“Look at the girl over there. Aren’t she a beauty?”

Mike was waving to a blonde girl not too far from us. Man, were his eyes sharp or what? He could identify beautiful women from far away.

“Yeah, she’s a beauty alright, Mike.”

It seemed that he loved girls as much as I did too. It’s good to have someone with similar hobbies and passions.

“Claude, look!” Mike nudged me at me again. The blonde girl earlier was waving back at Mike. Seeing that this might be his cue, Mike relished his chance immediately.

“Excuse me, Claude. I have been summoned.”

He laughed as he walked towards the girl. Ah well, there he went. He sure had some guts. I needed some too if I were to see any girls that I fancy.

“So, there you are, my Lil Bro. Where were you? I was looking all over for you.”

Suddenly, I could feel arms wrapped around me from the back coupled with something soft, juicy and bouncy that were pressing at the back of my head. I turned my head around and saw Ariel. She rubbed her face on my face immediately.

“A-Ariel? What are you doing?!”

“Claude, you are a meanie. Where were you? I was looking all over for you. I was worried that you might be harassed again by some people!”

Ariel pouted at me.

“Ohh… I was over there, a little further from the main courtyard.”

“I see. So, you did make a new friend, didn’t you? I saw him leaving you, walking towards the blonde girl. Ain’t he a playboy?”

“U-Uhh… yeah. Maybe.”

“Claude, are you a playboy too?”

That sudden question surprised me. Before I could answer her though, she let go of her arms and stood beside me and squeezed my cheeks red.

“Well, if you are a playboy, then it’s a Big Sis responsibility to see that you play with the right women.”

Uhhh… what’s this all about? What’s up with the sudden development?

I was getting awkward. Why did Ariel suddenly take an interest in my hobbies and passions? However, she seemed to be proud of this as she pouted her big breast. Though not as big as Sierra’s nor Sehanie, it was still impressive indeed. Well, she had a fiancé anyway, so best I don’t let my mind wandered off too far.

“Hey, Claude, who you have here?” Mike asked as he walked towards both Ariel and me.

“Ohh… you are back!”

“I got her contacts, Claude.” Mike winked at me. He could read my mind about what I would be asking him next.

“Claude, you ain’t bad either, ehh. Not long after I left you, you have a beautiful girl standing next to you.”

Ariel looked at Mike. And as they exchanged some glances between them, he quickly introduced himself.

“Hello, Miss. I’m Michael. I know is a little underwhelming for a name, but you can call me Mike.”

“I’m Ariel.”

“Nice to meet you, Ariel.”

Both of them exchange pleasantries, with me standing between them.

Ariel looked at me and said, “My, my. Ain’t he a smooth one. Hehehe.”

“Well, Ariel. To a beauty such as you, I would be smooth as a fine wine.” Mike replied with a smile.

“See, Claude? That’s how you talk to a woman. Big Sis doesn’t want you to keep all to yourself. If you see someone you fancy, strike while the iron is hot.”

Mike was quite surprised when Ariel suddenly mentioned ‘Big Sis’.

“She’s your Big Sis, Claude? I never knew that.”

“Me neither. I haven’t had a Big Sis until just now.”

Both Ariel and Mike laughed.

“Well, if you are Claude’s Big Sis, then I would not lay my hand on you, my fair beauty. Lest I want to incur my friend’s anger over here.”

Mike bowed down his head. This guy was pretty impressive. Quiet eloquent with his words. I wondered where did he learn all that.

Ariel answered with a nod. “Yeah, and also my fiancé too”

“Fiancé?” From Mike’s reaction, I could see that he was a little surprised. But then, he chuckled.

“Oh, I see. Yeah, and your fiancé too”

Suddenly a voice could be heard at the centre stage.

“Everyone, we will begin now. Please give me your attention.”

The whole crowd became quiet and were now focused on the speaker.

“Alright, I think it’s starting. Let’s pay attention to what’s in front of us.”

Both of them nodded. Ariel was standing to my right as Mike was to my left.

“Good. Now that I have your whole attention, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ser Aldurynn, First Captain, 3rd Tempest Battalion leader. And for this activity, I will be your host.”

On the stage, I could see a tall, handsome man with a very good figure. Lean but muscular with an Elite robe, just like what Captain Rizzou was wearing, but with a little difference in decoration and colour. Captain Rizzou’s uniform was white, but Ser Aldrurynn’s robe was greenish. On the stage, I could see some familiar faces.

Captain Forgante, the person whom I met the very first time I was here. Captain Rizzou was next. And… that red-haired guy.

What was his name again? Ly? By? Or was it My? Could be a Sty.

Ahhh… I couldn’t be bothered. But what’s he was doing up there? Shouldn’t he have been sniffing and stalking Sierra? That’s my Sierra, you Py. I’m her hero, not you. Blehh. I stuck my tongue out in disgust much to my new friend’s surprise.

I wondered but, I did not have to for long, as my question was answered by Ser Aldurynn.

“In front of you here today, stands your commanding officers and leaders. Though most couldn’t make it today due to one reason or another, I’ll assure you that most, if not all of your leaders and commanders will make it in time for the Parade of the Champions.”

“Now, as our custom, this year Parade has been handled by the Royal Elite Knights Unit. Last year was by the Silver Rider Knights Unit. And next year, it would be handled by the Common Army Unit under the leadership of Captain Forgante.”

As soon as Ser Aldurynn mentioned his name, Captain Forgante stepped forward and received massive cheer. Especially from his unit. He looked very proud indeed.

Ser Aldurynn was all smiles. As he nodded to Captain Forgante, he then continued.

“Now, this year Parade will see no less than 30 thousand of us parading throughout the whole city. This will be our biggest number as of yet.”

Another massive cheer could be heard.

“Ehemm…” Ser Aldurynn cleared his throat before he continued. The crowd went quiet immediately.

“Last year, our Parade was led by our Lord General, Ser Godfrey and our Lord Chancellor. However, for this year Parade, we received a great news. Our Parade will be graced by a member of the Main Noble House, Elmsdor of Elsigardia.

“WOWWW….. YEAAHHH!! Long Live the King!!!”

I could hear more and more cheers coming out right now. Even Ariel and Mike was all excited and pumped up. The noise was so loud that Ser Aldurynn let us had our way for a while.

“Hey, you two. This year Parade going to be special, ain’t it? When was the last time our current King graced us with his presence after his illness?”

Ariel looked at both of us enthusiastically. Mike answered in a likewise manner.

“Perhaps it has been 5 years? I don’t know it would be the King though since Ser Aldurynn never mentioned the name. But definitely someone from the King’s Noble House.”

“What about Crown Princess Sierra?” I gave out my answer. I would be happy if Sierra could attend. That would be great for my morale. Hehehe.

“Ohhh… Perhaps, Claude. Perhaps. By the way, have you seen her before?”

Mike asked of me. Ariel seemed interested too.

“Rumours has it that she is the most beautiful princess throughout the land. I have never seen her face to face before, but from those who have seen her, had been smitten by her beauty.”

“Really now, Mike. Are you sure?” Ariel was a little jealous.

“Surely you are also a beauty too, Ariel. What’s more, perhaps your fiancé would say the same thing about you to his friend.”

Mike really sure know how to make a girl feels happy as I could see Ariel was all smiles now.

I have to admit that I have seen Sierra before. A few times too. But I never knew she was regarded as the most beautiful princess in the whole land. Sure her beauty was astounding, but Sehanie was also a beauty, on par with Sierra. Or perhaps I have been surrounded by so many beautiful girls, most of the time by Sehanie, that I’m quite used to women with exceptional beauty. That also included the now smiling Ariel.

The noise died down after a few minutes as Ser Aldurynn continued.

“So, in order to make the Parade a success, we need each and every one of you, your fullest cooperation.”

Then he took out an envelope from his breast pocket.

“And I believe that each and every one of you already has an envelope like this. Keep that with you until tomorrow. And if you open your envelope, of which I’m sure all of you have done it, you will see a piece of paper with a specific number on it. What else do you think it could be? A love letter? Come on, you could think better than this. But I don’t mind giving to some of you girls though. Haha.”

Ser Aldurynn was teasing us on the stage. I could hear some of the guys were laughing. It sure took out the stress and the weight of the occasion a little from us.

“Now, you will be arranged accordingly to the number written on that piece of paper. If you ever lost it or someone else takes it from you, it sucks to be you. However, if this is to happen, we will know what to do. Besides, you will be led by your seniors and commanding officers, of which you have met them prior to joining your own unit, right?”

He paused for a while and turned his head, looking at his back. Satisfied with what he saw, he then faced us yet again.

“Now, I have been talking about your leaders and commanders. So, it’s about time I introduce all of them, who are here, with us today. And I’ll start off first with…”

Ser Aldurynn began to introduce each and every one who was standing on the stage. I couldn’t remember all, but one name struck my heart.

“And next, is the Captain of the famed Magma 7th squadron, the legendary Kyriel von Kissarath.”

A loud cheer could be heard throughout the courtyard. Taking a step forward was none other than that red-haired snobbish guy.

“That’s Ser Kyriel, Claude. He is as good looking as ever!!”

Ariel was suddenly all excited. Like a young girl, jumping and clapping at the sight of getting a candy.

“Huh… him? “ My face showed a little displeasure. I stuck out my tongue in disgust, yet again.

“Claude, did you know he was the youngest guy to be ever appointed as a Captain. By the age of 19, he was already leading his own squadron.”

Mike was trying to explain to me.

“So?”

“What do you mean ‘so’, Claude? I’m already 19 and I just joined the Elite. At your age, he single-handedly destroyed a whole bandit gang and saved a few villages from being ransacked and plundered.”

“Ohh really? I don’t think that’s awe-inspiring.”

“Hihihi Claude. Are you jealous?”

Ariel was teasing me now.

“Perhaps he is, Ariel.” Even Mike joined in, trying to tease me.

“Nah, not jealous. I think I could do better.”

“Ohhh!”

Both Mike and Ariel were surprised.

“What? Are you looking down on me?” Both of them nodded but did not answer. Ahh, well. Whatever. I gave that snobbish red-haired guy a middle finger. Though it was only just in my mind.

Kyriel von Kissarath, ehh.

That’s that snobbish guy’s name. Though his achievement for his age was indeed awe-inspiring and more, for someone like me who have an issue with him, nothing he did in the past, now or in the future will make my jaw dropped. He was picking a bone with me back in my own room and in the Strategic Headquarter while I barely knew him. Who wouldn’t be pissed off? I know I will and I’m showing it now.

Ser Aldurynn finished the introductions of the leaders and commanding officers who were present and as he concluded, a massive mixture of cheers, claps and wolf whistle could be heard throughout the whole courtyard and lasted well over a minute.

“Now, the time for all of you have been waiting for. Where’s my drum rolls?”

Ser Aldurynn continued with his jokes as he turned his head to the sides. Cool, there’s drum rolls now. I love the sound of drum rolls. However, the silence was all I needed to tell me that there were not to be any sound of drum rolls at all.

“No drum rolls? Really now?? That sucks… Well, can all of you give me a drum roll?”

Awww... I want drum rolls too. But never mind. The crowd, myself included, gave off the sound of a drum roll instead.

“Tatatatata...!!”

I made the sound of a drum roll alright. Loud and precise. However, Ariel was laughing at me.

“Is that a drum roll, Claude? Looks more like firecrackers exploding rather than a drum roll!”

Ariel was having fun teasing me.

“This is my version of a drum roll, Ariel. And it happened to sound like a firecracker. So what’s about it?”

Ariel and Mike were laughing at me. I too couldn’t help but chuckle.

“The seniors and officers aside, we have something for the new recruits. This year alone, we have inducted about 3700 new recruits into our rank. You might be wondering how you will fit in the grand scheme of things in the Parade tomorrow since each and every one of you are new recruits in your own units.”

“Easy. Because the Parade was meant to reward each and every one of us, especially for you new recruits. So, it is my most pleasure to announce new changes to your starting positions for the parade.”

“First off will be the King’s Cavalry. And like usual, it will consist of the highest and most powerful ranked officers of the kingdom and medal receivers. And guess what comes next?”

The crowd was getting restless.

“You will be directly behind the King’s Calvary.”

A pin drop silence. No one was making any sound at all. Perhaps all of them were surprised, trying to assimilate the news. But the silence did not last long. Soon after, everyone was shouting in unison.

“YEAHHH!!”

Massive cheers could be heard across the whole main courtyard.

“Previously, we put the new recruits at the end of the Parade’s procession. But this time, we decided to change things up a little. Why?”

The crowd asked, “Why?”

“Because some of you have been rewarded with medals or recommendations that has given you an officer ranking, that’s why. And this year, we have 127 ranked officers from our new recruits. And because it is such a big number, the committee agreed to put each and every one of you in front of the procession, not at the very last end. How about that for good news?”

Everyone among the crowd was cheering non-stop.

Ariel and Mike seemed extremely excited. I too was excited. Am I one of them too?

I’m getting all giddy and light headed from the excitement that was happening all around me. To be just behind the King’s Calvary was a great thing for most of us as Ariel now mentioned to me.

“You know Claude. I’m so, so, so excited. I must be dreaming. I never thought that we would be behind the King’s Calvary for the Parade!”

“Yeah, I never thought that too. This must be new. I am extremely excited myself.” Mike added on.

It was perceived to be the highest honour one could receive to be in front of the procession, what’s more being just behind the King’s Calvary. Since the King’s Calvary consisted of the King himself and the most powerful people of whole Elsigardia, it was of no wonder that all of us were excited.

“I get that you are all excited, but we need to get on with things around here. The new recruits, as I mentioned earlier, will be directly behind the King’s Calvary. You will be arranged according to the number given, generally from 1-7. This odd number was done deliberately so that we could divide the arrangement into two halves with the other procession caravans in the middle.”

Huh…. 1-7? But I got an 8 here. I thought to myself.

“And because there were 127 new recruits who were inducted as ranked officers, we introduced a new number, 8. Those who got number 8 as their numbers, are the ranked officers and will be led by Captain Rizzou. So, all the 8’s, please follow Captain Rizzou and find your way to him now. The rest of the numbers, please stay here as I will arrange you into your units.”

I-I-I got an 8… I got an 8… 8.

I looked around me as my tears flowed from my cheeks. Ariel was surprised to see my sudden change of reaction.

“What’s the matter, Claude?”

Before I could collect myself and answer, Mike did it for me.

“Coz he got an 8, like mine!”

Ariel was extremely surprised.

“Both of you got an 8 too?”

I nodded as Mike put his hand wrapped around my shoulder.

“He’s not bad for a shorty, right Ariel?”

“No kidding. Really… no kidding. Who are you exactly, Claude? What did you do?”

Ariel asked of me. Yet again, before I could answer, we heard the final announcement from Ser Aldurynn.

“And before I end this, all the Elites are required to stay back at the main courtyard for your test and to get your uniforms. To other new recruits, please get your uniforms at your unit headquarters before you go back. If you do not have your uniform, you will not be allowed to join in the parade. Get that?!”

Every one nodded. Get my uniform. Must remember that.

“Alright, now go to your stations as I have instructed earlier. The 8s, please follow Captain Rizzou. The rest, follow me.”

As three of us make our way following Captain Rizzou, I couldn’t help myself to see who were the other 8s. Ariel and Mike had 8 as their numbers with another number in parentheses. Mine was (1), Mike was (2) and Ariel was (11). I then saw a few more people starting to gather around us as Captain Rizzou came over.

“These guys and girls must be the 8s too. Right, Mike?”

Mike nodded and answered. “It seems so.”

“Look at them. All look so…. How do I say, capable? Look at the guy with that massive sword. And that girl with two swords each by her side. And look at that big size guy with…” Ariel looked around us, now with more people gathering as Captain Rizzou led us to our next destination.

“Aren’t both of us capable too, Ariel? Aren’t you too, Mike?”

Mike gave a thumbs up and a wide smile.

“Sure we are.”

“Yah… three of us are capable too, if that what you are trying to say. Or else, we would not get an 8. Right?” Ariel then followed suit with a nod and then gave off a smile.

“Then, what are we waiting for? Let’s hurry and follow Captain Rizzou.” I urged both Mike and Ariel as we quicken our step. Well, let’s see what the number 8 shall bring to us.