Chapter 57

Enacting The Third Old-World Law

For two weeks proclamations about the grand coronation event were spread far and wide throughout the kingdom of Sidhertha. At first the reports were simple; a grand gathering was to be held at the capitol where news affecting the kingdom would be said. Of course, everyone thought this would be the long-vaunted celebration of peace with the Azani, an event that should have taken place long ago. With that feedback that is what many officials began claiming the very event to be. A celebration of the ending of the war and nothing more.

So it was that news of what was to happen didn’t make it from informants’ lips to the neighboring kingdoms. Or the news of the celebration and event did, but there seemed to be no mention of the historical precedent that would be made by such an event. Kingdoms won and lost wars all the time, celebrating such events was a given. This was why none of the neighboring countries were truly aware of the exact purpose of the celebration. As far as everyone knew the celebration was to commend the warriors who fought and died in the defense of Dunthir.

Some knew that Lykan Vita would also be in attendance. While some were still angry that the war was over, enough time had passed for most people to realize that being angry at Lykan was the wrong course of action. This was another reason why news of the celebration was only met with mild attention from neighboring countries. Everyone knew that Lykan would need to be provided with an award for having single handedly stopping a war with the fearsome Azani. The fact that he had also been severely injured only meant that he would likely receive some type of stipend for the rest of his life. These were the types of injuries that needed to be tended to publicly, unless the king wanted to have members of his own military not try so valiantly next time.

The fact that Lykan’s actions were valiant was evident in his class title. The Valiant moniker was not only in his class description, but also in his name. With every fact known about the upcoming event known by the neighboring kingdoms no one decided to send a delegate, or even an envoy. Such actions could be seen as tacky or seen as their trying to absorb some of the attention for resources that were never provided despite an alliance. No when word of the celebration hit the neighboring kingdoms no one sent any representation that wasn’t already there. That was why only the delegation of nobles from Belkins and Piran, those who were still enrolled at the Sidherthan Academy were the only ones in attendance. As the celebration was to take place at the Academy grounds that only meant that everyone who was enrolled at the Academy had the day off. The intention was clear, everyone who was attending the Academy whether a local of Sidhertha or a foreign exchange student was to attend the celebration.

Thus, the stage was set for thousands of onlookers to witness the festivities that were about to happen. Festivities and actions that would shake the very bedrock of the entire continent for centuries to come.

King Philipon stood at the center of the grand stage that had once again been assembled. To his left was his family starting with his wife and going down to his youngest daughter. Then to the right was Lykan Vita who no longer wore the uniform of a military solider, but instead wore a civilian outfit with a sword strapped to his hip and a spear that was used for walking. He also had his grand obsidian orcish war-bow hung over his shoulder with a quiver of arrows on his back. By all accounts it looked like he was ready to leave almost immediately after this ceremony. Behind him was Nayali who remained kneeling with her head bowed during the entire process. This was almost an exact flip from the first time the people of Sidhertha saw Lykan and King Philipon share the stage. Last time it had been Lykan on the left, with the King’s family on the right.

This staging seemed odd to everyone who had been present before to bear witness to the previous awarding of Lykan Vita for his actions while in direct service to the kingdom. The fact that the stage was reversed was a bit shocking, but no one dared to speak out about the staging. Instead, everyone waited for the awarding to be over so the true celebration could begin. Once the number of people who had gathered seemed to be at its zenith King Philipon began the ceremony with his typical grace and charm.

“Good morning my fellow countrymen. Today we have invited you all to witness a proud day in our nation’s history. For today will mark the first day in our nation’s history where we had a true king recognized by the gods.” King Philipon said, before pointing his finger up to the sky.

As he did a few of the gathered clouds gently parted and seemed to shine a little brighter on the spot where King Philipon was standing. Hearing the words a few of those who had gathered began to mutter to themselves as this celebration was taking a slightly different turn than what everyone had expected.

Taking this moment, Lykan took a step forward towards the King and his family.

“Before your subjects I invoke the third and most sacred of the old-world laws.” Lykan began. As he spoke golden energy began to flow out from his body to the king. Everyone gasped, a few guards leaned forward but were quickly held back by a gesture from the king. Instead, the knights just stood there some with their hands on their rifles that had been brought in for decoration, others with their hands on their swords at their sides. All were tense as they waited for the next few words to be spoken.

“To understand what is about to happen, I first need to explain what the first two old world laws are. The first is the covenant of a shepherd and his flock. This is a pact that ensures the shepherd will look after the flock, while the flock is allowed to exceed expectations of being alone. This results in a boon to the shepherd when defending their flock from dangerous animals of the wild, while also improving the yield and resources created by the flock being guarded. The second old world law is of a farmer and his land. In this case the farmer must first be claimed by the land as the rightful maintainer. After a connection of the farmer and his land is established the crop yields of the land will be drastically increased.”

Lykan paused as he looked over the audience, many of whom were now glowing with a golden hue. There were a few exceptions in the crowd. Most noticeably were a few lower-class people who were dressed in well-worn and dirty clothes. It was clear this group was drawn in by the promises of free food. Seeing the group an idea came to Lykan’s mind as he continued with his explanation.

“The third old-world law is that of a King and his Subjects. One could say that in a way it is a combination of the first two old-world laws. In this case the king takes the place as the master shepherd, trying to forever protect you, his flock.” Lykan made a point of gesturing with his hand widely at the gathered audience when he said you. “He is also the master farmer, as all the lands in his territory will first have to accept him as the true and rightful overall owner of them.”

As Lykan continued to speak more and more golden light began to shine from the ground. Looking off into the distance even the distant mountains and fields all took on a golden hue. One could say that it was a mere reflection of the golden rays of the sun that were just now shining their brightest in the morning, but others who were more sensitive to the supernatural would swear that there was something deeper. Those of the Academy all felt shivers run down their backs as the amount of energy being felt was massive. Far more than any individual should be able to wield.

Many who were gathered looked on at Lykan with awe and reverence, as the amount of power he was yielding and his focus required to maintain both the speech and enacting his will on the old-world laws was impressive. Looking at him and the amount of energy he had to be wielding should have been exhausting, most would be down on the ground sweating in exertion from only a few seconds. Yet, looking at Lykan it was clear that he was not even winded. No sign of sweat or perspiration covered his brow, instead he just glowed with a divine radiance.

“It is impossible to find someone perfect for a kingdom. For unless you yourself are a god then the realm of perfection is little more than a childish thought. But I have lived in this kingdom for years and I have gotten to see King Philipon in person. While he is far from perfect, I honestly believe him to be a good and honest man who is trying his best.” Lykan said.

The more he spoke the more the pocket of darkness began to swirl around the gathered families in the corner that watched on in shock. Lykan locked eyes with the people, almost daring them to speak out.

“If no one can disagree, then I will perform the final acts of binding. Whereby King Philipon will be the true king of Sidhertha recognized by all. He will forever be heavens messenger on this land and will be granted bonuses to defend this land and his people. Similarly, you all will also benefit from greater crop yields and overall boosts to productivity.”

Lykan paused, again looking at the dark corner. The group of people who had gathered fidgeted about anxiously, while everyone else was wrapped up in awe and wonder at what they were seeing and feeling.

“Since there have been no words of discontent…” Lykan began, a pit of dread filling his stomach before he was cut off mid speech.

“This is bullshit!”

Letting out a sigh that Lykan didn’t even realize he had been holding he turned to look at the man who spoke. Guards were already running to subdue the person who spoke out.

“Wait!” Lykan yelled, and almost as if his words had a physical force to them the advancing guards lurched forward before turning to face Lykan. Lykan for his part just held his hand up in a halting gesture.

“You there. Dissenter come forward.” Lykan said in a calming voice.

Hearing the word, the man who spoke suddenly felt anxious, he had been so caught up in the moment that his words just left him. Now he knew his big mouth had finally said more than what his body could handle.

“Look I’m…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything.”

“Nonsense. Look if you are worried about repercussions then know that you are safe. I will forbid anyone from harming you. Also, as one of the few who can conduct this ceremony, no one will dare go against my words. Isn’t that right King?” Lykan asked turning his attention to the King.

The King looked flustered for only a second, before he quickly shook himself and answered. “Yes, no one will harm you. This is not the first time I’ve been called out for not being good enough.” The king said, with that a few light chuckles could be heard in the crowd. It was clear that the king was trying to defuse the otherwise tense situation. The only problem was he didn’t understand what Lykan was trying to do with calling the commoner out from the crowd.

“One thing that is often missed in these ceremonies is that there needs to be a balance. While the King will always have someone from the different noble houses at his ear telling him what is best for the kingdom. A true king that is recognized by the gods needs the voice of the commoners at his ear as well.” Lykan said, the more he spoke, the closer the man from the crowd got to the stage. Finally, he was up on the stage standing next to Lykan. The man was shaking slightly, and only after a reaffirming pat on the back did the man relax enough to stand.

“Before I begin, I first need to ensure one thing. First that you are a Sidherthan native and have been for at least seven years.” Lykan looked at the man.

“I…I am.” The man stammered but as he spoke a golden light began to glow around him. Before he could continue Lykan turned to the audience.

“Can I get three people to confirm these two facts. The fact that this man is a Sidherthan native and that they have known him as living here for the last seven years?” Lykan asked.

There was a slight pause for a second, before one of the people who were with him spoke.

“Yes, he is my brother-in-law. Been married to my sister for the past nine summers.” As the man spoke, he too was covered in a glowing golden sheen.

“What?” The man said, holding up his right hand as a golden eye began to appear for everyone to see.

“You now bear the eye of the witness. The gods have heard your statement and found them to be true.” Lykan said.

“It is a blessing from the gods.” The man exclaimed excitedly. “I have increased my Perception and Power by three each.” He was shocked for a second before he continued. “I could enter the Academy now if I wanted.”

Hearing that, Lykan once again asked. “I need two more people who can guarantee they know this man is a Sidherthan native and that he has lived here for the last seven years.”

“I confirm this as well. He is my husband after all.” The woman who was part of the group also spoke up and just as before her hand too began to light up and glow as the second mark of the witness appeared.

Soon there was a clamor, before a man from the other side of the audience called out. “I know him too… wha…AHH!!” No sooner had he finished his confirmation then the golden light that had been going to everyone’s hand a moment ago began burning him from the inside out.

Everyone watched in horror as the man’s tongue and throat began to burn with a violent light. Then the same light burned its way down his left arm, where the shape of a serpent’s tongue appeared on his left hand.

“You have born false witness before the gods. Let this be a warning to you. While you will always bear the mark of the liar’s tongue, your voice will come back to normal if you do not lie for seven years.” Lykan said.

Hearing that the atmosphere in the crowd suddenly changed. No longer was everyone clamoring for a free blessing from the gods, not when the act of lying was so violently punished.

“I still need one more to confirm his identity.” Lykan said.

With that the boy who had been with the group took a step forward. “I know him. He is my dad, and he is a true Sidherthan. I have known him for all my life.” The boy who looked barely older than seven spoke.

Just as before a glowing mark appeared on his right hand showing a glowing eye.

Hearing the words and seeing the mark appear Lykan nodded in agreement. “Thrice heard and thrice confirmed. This man that you now see before you have been confirmed to be a true Sidherthan.” Lykan said while touching the man’s right arm and holding it high in the air. Simultaneously Lykan let the immense power of the old-world law flow through his body and into the body of the dissenter. As he held up the hand a glowing symbol began to appear on the man’s hand. The symbol was still growing and forming, with no real shape appearing at first.

“What…what’s this?” The dissenter asked, shocked by the appearance of a mark on his hand.

Lykan for his part continued to focus the power of the old-world laws into the man, finally as more time went by the symbol became clearer and clear. Until finally everyone could truly see the shape on the man’s hand, a Hydra. The hydra, a seven headed beast from myth. In this case the body was clearly that of a Hydra, but there was only one head that appeared.

“Behold the Hydra. The legendary monster who destroyed kingdoms and empires of the past, present, and future.” Lykan said, showing the glowing symbol first to the king and his family, then to the crowd.

“Notice that there is only one head, which is for good reason. You my dear hydra are small at this point, one voice amongst many well-established nobles. But your voice will be heard. Should you be struck down by the king or those of his court two will appear in your place. Then should those be struck down two more will appear in their place. You are the hydra for you are meant to exist. So long as a king has been declared by the gods, so too is a hydra meant to be the balance of power.”

Lykan gave a few minutes for that revelation to take hold in the minds of the people who were gathered. The citizens grew up on the tales of how hydras destroyed the old cities. How even the best of knights was sent to quell the beast, only to cause two new heads to form when one was killed. Eventually the beasts became too massive and destroyed the kingdoms of old to the ground. Seeing the mark of the hydra on the man before them, the stories of old began to make more sense. It was clear that a lot was lost to translation and the passages of time.

The hydra was not a mythical monster, but man himself. Or more accurately, hydras were the common people of the land. These were the people most directly impacted by laws and regulations. When taxes were collected the hydra were the ones who would be most impacted by the increased costs. These were also the ones most likely to be forced to serve the country during times of war.

After seeing this aspect, a weight grew in the heart of King Philipon, for he now realized the hard glaring truth before him. The gods being omniscient as they were, would clearly have a balance of power in place. He too also grew up reading the stories of the mythical hydras that destroyed the last of the great kingdoms just as they began to rise to prominence. Or only appearing when kingdoms begun to fall to corruption.

“You see, right now King Philipon there are only a few dissenters. And before you feel bad there will always be someone who feels outed by your politics. This man will represent that faction. Use him as a judgment piece, a way to tell how well you are doing. Right now, he is a minority, when his faction begins to grow you should begin to worry. When his faction becomes the majority know that you have become a tyrant.” Lykan said.

Hearing the words King Philipon began to tremble slightly, as he felt the full weight of the words being spoken. This was also a sign that the old-world magic that Lykan had been calling forth this entire time was now bonding with his body. Hearing these words, King Philipon’s lips trembled. Then he felt a connection form between him and the man that now bore the mark of the hydra. He felt the resentment formed from a lifetime’s worth of oppression and always being judged and found lacking. For this one moment they were connected, and he realized that despite his best efforts and the assurances of his council, he had failed this man and his family.

Feeling this deep seated connection King Philipon began to doubt his work to this point.

“I only want to do what is right for all. I apologize that you have felt put out by the actions of the empire…” King Philipon stammered as for this one moment he felt attached to the man who would be his hydra.

Hearing the words and being able to see into the soul of King Philipon the man, who would from this point on forever, be known as Hydra, nodded in understanding. Hydra for his part saw the king for who he truly was, a man who constantly tried his best to make the country better for tomorrow by sowing the seeds of change today. Feeling this deep connection to the king the man nodded in acceptance of the king and his flaws.

“I forgive you.” The man known as Hydra said. With that the last binding resonance that the king needed to be witnessed by the gods as the true king of this empire was accepted.

What happened next was an explosion of golden power that was symbolic of the old-world law’s presence. Recounts of events from miles away spoke of a second sun momentarily rising from the capital of Sidhertha. When the light finally died down the stage was empty, except for King Philipon and his family and the man now named Hydra. From the King’s right hand was an image of a glowing golden crown that shown brightly before all who witnessed its majesty. Upon seeing the crown everyone who was a true Sidherthan felt an unbelievable force of power gripping their hearts and forcing them to kneel in reverence. For looking at the mark of the true king on Philipon it was clear that the people were not just looking at the king, but a true king who had been acknowledged by the gods and the old-world laws combined.

This was truly a reverent moment.

So lost was everyone in what was happening that only after the fact did people realize what had happened. Somewhere during the blinding light of the old-world laws being unleashed over an entire kingdom and the reverence for the golden seal that now appeared on King Philipon’s hand both Lykan and Nayali had disappeared.

A quick scan of the stage and surrounding areas was made, but no one was able to find any sign of the two.

Orders were given to find them, but no one had a clue of where they went.

In the end a few guards were sent to search for the pair before the King recovered enough to remember that they were to host a two-fold party. The first was to celebrate the peace of the nations and the second was to celebrate his newfound title of being named a true King of the kingdom.

With his A True King’s Seal King Philipon was offered many benefits. The most noticeable of which was the more content his kingdom was, the higher increase to his base Attributes he would find. There were also clauses and powers that would help him live longer, the more he improved the quality of life of his people. The seal was truly remarkable and while he wanted to spend the day looking into the seal’s mysterious properties, he knew that now was not the time for such tasks.

“Now is the time when I thank you my loyal subjects. We have been put to the tests of the gods and have been found acceptable.” King Philipon said.

There was a slight pause in the crowd as everyone tried to take in the full measure of the words. While being found acceptable was better than a few other alternatives, there was still a lot of room for improvement in those words and that judgment. Seeing the reaction, the King continued.

“Which if we are acceptable by the gods, that to me says we are doing so very many things right. To help us be better, we should celebrate to the gods and thank them all for their many blessings with mirth and merriment.” King Philipon exclaimed loudly, his booming voice echoing for all to hear.

With those words the crowd rejoiced.

At the far end of the city, from the rooftop on one of the last multi story buildings that stood at the border between the underdeveloped portions of the city and the unconquered lands of Sidhertha a couple sat. The couple would be easily recognizable to anyone who had just witnessed the festivities as they were the couple who made the whole process possible. Well, the man had been the one to make the process possible. The female was panting slightly as she had expelled all her energy trying to fly both her and Lykan as far as possible. For the two of them to fly Nayali had to cycle her own energy into Lykan who managed to circulate it quite effectively before the energy provided ultimately flew off into the void of space.

Realizing the taxing nature of their flight Lykan suggested they rest on the random rooftop while Nayali used the time to regain as much of her energy as possible. The two sat in muted silence as they watched the festivities unfold. Watching the festivities, a contemplative look crossed Lykan’s fair features.

“Do you wish we stayed?” Nayali asked, seeing the look form on his features.

Hearing the words Lykan turned to look at Nayali, only to see that she truly felt worried about him. Seeing her concern, a part of Lykan relaxed slightly. “No. This was still the best course of events.”

Hearing the words Nayali nodded in agreement. Of all the possible futures, their leaving, or rather her leaving with a glowing golden ball by her side was the best possible future she saw for the kingdom of Sidhertha. At first there was the question of what if that washed through her mind. She wondered what if she had won and Lykan had performed the same process on her brother, but she quickly dismissed such foolish thoughts. The past was set in stone, while the future was all one could look forward to, by instilling the seeds of change here in the present. There was a looming darkness that was coming for all the kingdoms of the land, and they all needed to be ready for the calamity that was to come.

A few more minutes of silence passed as the two stared on at the fanfare that was beginning to unfold. By now the local musicians and bands began to play throughout the town.

“Do you want to leave now?” Nayali asked as she felt she might have recovered enough to get the two of them down from the top of the three-story roof they were now resting upon.

Hearing that Lykan turned to look at Nayali. He was certain she could do what she said that she had enough energy to get them down, but it would be taxing on her. Seeing her he let a faint smile crest his lips as he looked at her. “No, let’s rest until nightfall, then we will make our escape.”

Hearing the words Nayali felt relief, as she began to curl up into a ball next to Lykan where she quickly fell asleep. Seeing her slumbering form Lykan smiled to himself and wanted to rest, but before he did, he looked at his last notification from the gods that he had received.

Blessing Bestowed: Old-World Law Implementer.

Old-World Law Implementer (Prophetic). You managed to enact all three of the old-world laws on three deserving candidates. For this you have been rewarded by the gods. All Attributes increased by Three. All Skill levels increased by one step.

Name Lykan Vov'Vita Race Human Class Valiant Wanderer Age 17 Skill Base Plus Modifier Total Strength (8+9) 17 Awareness (9+9) 18 Mobility* (10+9) 19 Intelligence (8+15) 23 Power (9+15) 24 Skill Base Plus Modifier Rating Universal Linguist (Maximum) Spear Mastery (Maximum) Sword Mastery (Maximum) Aerial Combat Sage + (Prophetic) (Maximum) Stealth Mastery Novice Ambuscade Mastery Novice Bow Mastery Adept + (Prophetic) Expert Quick Step (Maximum) Unarmed Mastery Novice + (Prophetic) Beginner Qi Infusion Beginner + (Prophetic) Adept Universal Literacy (Maximum) Regeneration (Maximum) Meditation (Maximum) Qi Cultivation Adept + (Prophetic) Expert Qi Resistance Adept+ (Prophetic) Expert Focus (Maximum) Aerial Movement Sage + (Prophetic) (Maximum) Survival Mastery Novice Surveillance Mastery Novice Master Crafting Adept + (Prophetic) Expert Magical Abilities Rating Energy Absorption (Maximum) Energy Sensing (Maximum) Energy Control (Maximum) Qi Absorption Beginner Qi Sensing Novice Energy Alter (Maximum) Qi Control Novice Qi Alter Novice

Seeing the awards from the gods, Lykan was relieved at the reward he had received. At most he had been hoping for a slight increase to his attributes, but to have his two Aerial Skills advance to the mastery level was truly a blessing. Normally he would never be able to increase the skills he had without constant use. So, the fact that the gods had given him such a boon was a blessing he was truly grateful for. Without this blessing he knew his two skills would have forever been stuck with his four new skills forever denied to him; at least until he managed to find a way to fix his meridians.

With this one blessing Lykan felt two things were true. The first was that he was doing work the gods had intended for him to do from the beginning. The second, was that he would never pigeonhole himself into such a specialized niche again. These past three months showed him how he let his wants and greed distract him from being well rounded. So many hours and resources he squandered at the Academy learning to fly. While learning to fly was something he would never let himself regret, these past few months had given him perspective. He now knew that he could have done so many more things while at the Academy. Rune writing was something he only did as a side project, which was fortunate as it was the only reason, he had been able to maintain a job after his injury. Looking back on his life he realized he had taken many things for granted, he assumed that with his stronger attributes that he would be able to overcome all obstacles that came before him. Yet reality had shown him that there were plenty of things out in life that could easily humble him if he lost focus for even a second.

Realizing this and feeling the weight of Nayali by his side, Lykan let out a smile that reached his eyes for the first time in a long time. He had been given a second chance at life, or at least that was how he was taking the four new skills. Skills that were so far from their predecessors that Lykan almost wondered if it was the gods’ way of telling him that he needed to grow up. After contemplating his last few years of life, he had to agree, there was a lot he had to do to grow up.

With that his hand found its way to his breast pocket, where a note rested. Feeling the crinkle of the paper beneath his touch he let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t know where the future would take him, but he had an idea of where he could go to next. Patting his pocket, he remembered the odd girl who had given him the message shortly after she learned that he would no longer be part of the Sidherthan military.