Chapter 14: A Hero Arises (Part 4)

7.30am, 4009AD, Day 26 of the Month of May. The Day of the Parade of the Champions

The main courtyard has now started to become more crowded. Initially, there were about 5000 people in the morning, but 30 minutes later, the number swelled to nearly 8000 people. All of us were already divided into our units. Leading the Parade was a group of heavily armoured riders, all on the big and muscular version of the horse I’m riding now. Behind them were flag bearers and carriers of banners. Immediately behind them was ranked officers who were all in full-plated armour, the same as what Captain Rizzou was wearing.

And directly behind was Captain Rizzou himself. He was leading the new recruits who were following him, all on horses. We were then followed by the group of various knights from other units which I could not recognize yet.

“Everyone! Can I have your attention, please?!” Captain Rizzou was galloping up and down the whole line of Elites and towards the back conveying the information.

“The Titans will soon enter the Knight’s District. Once they reached the Elemental Circle Courtyard, we will assume our ready position. Until then, all of us are on standby!”

As soon as each unit received their information from the Captain, all the noise and murmurs suddenly disappeared. They were waiting with bated breath the arrival of the Titans. Who or what were Titans? I pondered while waiting on top of Bolt.

The main courtyard now was silent. Occasionally there were neighs and clattering hooves of the horses standing by that broke the eerie silence. However, it did not last long. Less than 15 minutes after Captain Rizzou’s initial announcement, I could hear thunderous footsteps approaching the main courtyard.

“Here they come; the Titans!” Captain Rizzou lifted his hand, signalling us. It was then that every one of us; myself included assumed our positions immediately. The rest followed suit. The flags and banners too were raised high in unison.

Appeared within our sight was indeed something to behold. For what might seem to be an invading army, the scene was both amazing but extremely unnerving. The displays of might in front of my eyes sent shivers down my back.

There were dozens and dozens of heavily armoured knights marching on foot, each carrying a pole of no less than 15 feet in height, all with the same flag design which I could now safely assume was the flag of Elsigardia. Followed closely behind; also marching on foot was a cavalry of spears wielders while the last to appear were those on horses with each carrying massive lance. All of them, like the rest of the Titans, wore heavy looking armour.

“That’s the Flagbearer, carried by the very famous Titans of Elsigardia.”

Captain Rizzou explained to us what was happening. “And behind them is the Spears of Elsigardia.”

“T-the Spears and the Titans of Elsigardia? Who are they?” Finally, I had the chance to ask Captain Rizzou.

He obliged by briefing me on the Spears of Elsigardia first. The Spears was a ground cavalry unit of the Elsigardia’s army used to lead an infantry or a battalion in a war. These people were fearless in the face of death as they blazed their ways towards the enemies’ rank. And who could be better suited to lead the Parade of Champions other than the Spears themselves? Each and every one of them deserved the recognition based on just their valour and bravery alone.

As for the Titans, they were the Knights specially selected to become the official envoys of the Kings and the Royalty. Usually, they were handpicked from various members of the knights, excluding the Elites for days like this. The title was not official, but they were called the Titans because of the armour they wore and the earth-shaking footsteps they made when they walked. When the whole units of Titans marched, the earth trembled and the loud noise from their footsteps could send shivers even to the bravest of man.

They were Titans indeed then. I’m quite amazed at Elsigardia’s military strength so far. I have never seen any one of them before, so the sense of amazement was justified.

The moment the Titans walked past over us over to our procession leader – who was situated in the frontmost, wearing a gold-plated armour while riding a horse that for me was somewhat way too large to be a normal horse – raised his lance, also plated in gold, up high. Everyone was at their absolute attention. As soon as he lowered his lance, I could hear thunderous hooves of the horses begin to render the earth. We were starting to move.

The Parade has begun. Or so I think.

From 8000 people assemble in the Elemental Circle main courtyard, our number now became 10,000 people. As we began to ride along behind the rest, led by the Titans in front of us, our march was neither slow nor labouring. The pace set by the Titans was perfect at a speed that I could not even imagine someone who in that sort of armour could ever make.

I then heard from Captain Rizzou that we would converge with the main procession and the King’s Cavalry soon at the Centre of the Knight’s District.

“We will meet with the King’s Cavalry at the Centre Square of the Knight’s District. So, just follow your leaders or commanders’ orders from now onwards. Remember your positions at all times.”

Captain Rizzou and some of the unit leaders were galloping up and down or procession giving the announcement. “We have not yet to officially start till we converged with the King’s Cavalry. So, march at ease. Till then, that’s all the order from us!”

7.45 am, 4009AD, Day 26 of the Month of May. The Day of the Parade of the Champions

We finally reached the Knight’s District Main Center Courtyard. What used to be a large empty space of cobblestone when I first walked this path with Captain Forgante who led me towards the Elemental Circle, was now filled with more people I could imagine. And it’s not just any people. This was Elsigardia’s might and pride.

It was a sight to behold and long to remember, especially to someone like me who in my whole life of 17 years, have never seen, much less of getting involved in the Parade of the Champions before. Assembled in front of my very own eyes was at least another 20 thousand of Elsigardia’s finest warriors that could make it for the Parade of Champions today.

At the most front was the King’s Cavalry. Riding alongside it was another group of heavy armoured knights, each one of them was as impressive looking as the other. As we march past the long line of assembled warriors who was standing in attention towards the King’s Cavalry, our procession was split into two parts. The Titans and the Spears broke their units from us and continued to march forward to the front most of the Parade, in front of the King’s Calvary while the rest of us, led by the gold-plated armour knight, rode into our reserved spot of the parade, just directly behind the King’s Cavalry.

From here, the view was clear. I could see the King’s Cavalry better now. It was a very large and beautifully decorated open carriage type, pulled by no less than 12 magnificent looking horses. The heavy armoured knights who were riding alongside the carriage now appeared to be more impressive. Perhaps they were the highest ranked officers in the army and knights of the Elsigardia, including the Elites. They were wearing a ridiculously bulkier version of the heavy armour, adorned with amazing decorations with matching capes.

And then, the sight that each and every one of us longed to see myself included, was finally revealed.

Seated on the top of that large open carriage, was a silhouette of an extremely beautiful and regal looking girl. Her familiar luscious blue hair was tied elegantly into a bun as her tiara was placed upon it. With a red fur like cape draping her whole back and a sceptre in her hand, she looks even more regal.

Princess Sierra, the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Elsigardia.

As I looked at her from my position in the Parade, which was about 50 metres away at the back, I could recall fondly my meetings with her prior to today’s event. However, before I could even manage to recall anything as I was rather rudely interrupted.

Mike was nudging me from the side.

“Hey Claude, look. It’s the Princess you saved. Ain’t she the most beautiful women in the whole land of Elsigardia? Man, you really do us guys a real favour by saving her.”

I could see Mike’s face was smitten by Sierra’s beauty. Who wouldn’t? Any men would die for her. I know I did.

“Ehem, boys. We have some beauty in the Elites too, you know?” Ariel who was just behind me and Elise who was next to Mike caught wind of our little conversation.

“Who are these beauties then?” Mike jokingly asked.

“Well, for a starter, First Lieutenant Elise is a beauty herself. Even I’m a beauty too or else my fiancé won’t even look at me.” Ariel responded in a way that made all of us chuckle.

“Everyone, be quiet now. We will begin soon. Stay at attention. Once it began, you can talk as you march. For now, keep the silence close to you.” Captain Rizzou, who overheard our chuckle, reminded us to behave. Well, not just us anyway, since the rest of units who rode beside and behind us were also making some slight noises. Most, however, revolves around the beauty of their Crown Princess.

“She is indeed as the beautiful as the story told” came one voice who seemed to be smitten by Sierra’s beauty, no doubt.

“Nay, she is even more beautiful than the rumours” came a reply.

“I can reassure you, both of you are wrong. She is the most beautiful woman in the whole land, rivalling only the Goddess Athenea herself.”

“Blasphemy, but you are right about that. Perhaps you could be forgiven to think that she was blessed by the Goddess Herself.”

Suddenly, the morning air was pierced with a loud sound.

A sound that was made by a chorus of wind musical instruments. As soon as the sound was heard, everyone ceased to talk. Flags and banners were lifted high by the unit who were in front of us. Everyone was standing at attention and stillness. Even the horses too, stop moving including Bolt.

Before long, I could hear music penetrates the air as everyone began to sing. As it was my first time hearing the song, I could not follow or sing along with them. Thus, I kept quiet instead and tried my best to memorize the lyrics.

First was the Song of Athenea, the patron Goddess of Elsigardia.

Glory Glory, o’ Goddess Athenea

Our patron goddess of Elsigardia

As we take our step forwards in thou name

We shall not falter in shame

Thou light shone above us, as thou blessing descend towards us

We would bleed and we would die

On thou bosom would we lie

Thou had blessed us, the children of Elsigardia

Of life and victory, which never cease

O’ Goddess Athenea, we would surrender

Our body, our life and our soul, for eternity

Glory Glory, o’ Goddess Athenea

Our patron goddess of Elsigardia

Then came the Kingdom of Elsigardia’s anthem, Victory to Elsigardia.

Not so very long ago a dauntless hero came,

His Majesty Titus Elsivier was his name,

To unite and found a nation

Blessed by the Goddess’s creation

There was war, there was strife

Countless of lives were taken before they were ripe

But victory came to the just and worthy,

As Elsigardia was born almighty,

Victory to Elsigardia, Victory to Elsigardia

Peace came, harmony was abundant

As Elsigardia, our beloved Kingdom, grow triumphant,

Victory to Elsigardia, Victory to Elsigardia,

May the Goddess bless her Children,

Eternity of peace and prosperity,

Victory to Elsigardia, Victory to Elsigardia.

And finally, the moment we have been waiting for, the March of Champions anthem which was played by brass-like instruments at full volume. There were no lyrics for the song, but the anthem nonetheless made every one of us, myself included seems very much pumped up and enthusiastic. This song was the official song for the Parade of the Champions and also played as the morale booster for the army. Upon hearing this song, blown by the horns, which what the brass-like instruments were called, one could not help but to have their morale increased many folds. Such was the power of songs, even without lyrics and such.