SK4 - Chapter 21 - The King's Mandate

[Author note - I feel like I say this every time lately. Once again, I don't feel great about this chapter, though this time, it's because it's something that makes me cringe a bit--speeches. If I had more of a buffer then I might hold on to it a bit longer, but I am considering shifting this event to occur after the Ordeal run instead. That, or I may shift his Dominion of Frost and Fealty advancement to this particular moment, making it feel a little more impactful. You'll understand what I mean after the chapter. Whatever I do, the result is going to be rather similar, and I intend to take feedback and chunk away at it to improve on it until the book comes out on Amazon. Once again I request you give me your feedback and your feelings, as this chapter brings me out of my comfort zones. The only scenes quite like this one are probably Jake's speeches in Book 3 (the arrival) from Bonded Summoner, and the coronation scene in Book 5. It's not something I do often, and that's by design - I mostly avoid them. Anyway, enjoy! Next chapter is the Path of Kings!]

Nick watched the proceedings from his enclosed balcony. Hidden behind the black, sleek slate surface, he watched the crowd gathering through the video monitor. He was wearing his much more majestic, golden embroidered blue and black overcoat which covered his martial robes, giving him a look of authority.

The entire plaza and the main boulevards were packed with people, Nick’s many citizens lining up for the special event. His city and the surrounding area was now home to over three thousand souls, and nearly every single one of them was present today. There was some space set aside for later, but otherwise, the plaza out in front of the Path of Kings was rather crowded. 

It was unusual to see all of these people at once. Many of the people of Zura were working on the farms in the surrounding area, and people like the beetlefolk and many of the monsterfolk lived out in the wilderness, only to visit in small groups. But today, they were nearly all present. So there was a sea of reflective chrome-like forms of the many Noblefrost Beetlefolk, as well as the several hundred monsterfolk in their various tribes among the crowd.

And there were way more babies and toddlers than Nick had been expecting. He supposed with access to such bountiful essence even in the city, it would accelerate their first year handily. Still, perhaps it was a testament to the safety he was providing that people were seeing it as a good time to raise children. 

And Nick was happy to see with his Soul Sense that his people were a sea of white and gray. These were all good people, or people who had to do some things they regretted, just to get by. Now that they lived in Frosthaven, a safe place filled with opportunity, they no longer had to struggle–at least not in the same ways.

On the stage, Nick’s leaders and powerful Followers gathered. The stage had chairs for all his Followers to sit, and all of his wives had seats as well–including his soon-to-be Noblefrost Maidens, and his many priestesses, some of which were pregnant. 

Lothar and Agatha represented the orcs of Nagduros, and sat at the peak of the Second Stratum. Both were warriors and leaders, originally of just a couple of hundred orcs in total, but now they were instrumental in training and leading Nick’s monsterfolk, in addition to increasing the security within his domain. 

Their Honorable Raids had a subtle impact, whether it was scouting, defeating lawless bandits, roaming monsters, or causing caravans in the surrounding areas to properly defend themselves. It was such a strange thing to Nick that their extortion for duels actually helped protect people, making everyone safer.

And thanks to Lumos, they did it while riding bikes.

Councilor Robins, the mayor of Zura, was in charge of most of the manpower and city planning of Frosthaven. Marissa and the many priestesses helped, but Nick was thankful for the curly-blond-haired, mustached man. He was the reason that his city didn’t look like a crazy mess where everyone just built what they wanted, and actually seemed well-thought-out, in terms of the placement of housing and shops and their styles.

This included managing the surrounding areas, the farms and natural resources present near the city, as well as strategizing the building and production. He was a font of knowledge, and an excellent problem solver as a result. Thankfully, the city grew when Shadowvale was added, but even if it hadn’t, Nick knew that Councilor Robins would have found a way to seamlessly integrate them and their homes, getting them built quickly and satisfying the residents.

Turon the bearfolk had taken over managing the Adventurer’s Guild, and continued to aid with the integration of the Shadowvale people. Working with Councilor Robins, he had helped the nocturnal people find their place and become productive within the city. Some joined the City Guard to manage the night watch, others hunted, and some completed the more quiet construction and other compatible work tasks in a separate shift.

Last but certainly not least among his Followers in the city, was Lumos. While Councilor Robins was crucial for managing the manpower, Lumos was the reason they had any, or that they were effective. She ensured they had the proper tools, as well as all the skills to and know-how to accomplish any of their goals. 

While the people of Zura were extremely knowledgeable, they were very book focused. Even if they strangely knew a lot about smithing for example, that didn’t mean they could actually do it with great proficiency. They helped push the technology and skill levels of his city forward too, but Lumos was quite the cheat, the fast lane to getting anything done. 

Lumos made sure they could bridge these gaps, and for everything. She was building the tools that built the tools, and rapidly progressing Frosthaven’s magical technology. And if that was the only thing she did, it would already make her worth her weight in gold.

But Lumos did way more than just that. She managed all of Nick and his wives’ cultivation resources and equipment, and Nick knew he’d be languishing without her help. He would have no choice other than to take up alchemy himself, or have one of his wives do it. 

It was the same for the many cultivators in Frosthaven, each one owing much of their progress to her efforts. It was impossible to overstate just how important Lumos was to his kingdom’s success, and he did his best to treat her like that was true. Whatever Lumos wanted, she got it if Nick was able to give it.

Rebecca was the one who walked forward to the magical microphone, speakers placed throughout the plaza to enable her to be heard. Eirwen joined her side to present, the two both well known as Nick’s ears and voice, people that represented Nick’s interests in any interaction. 

A few of his other wives could be seen similarly, but those two often had the answers for nearly any topic or reason for them to seek Nick. Conversely, if Kaya or Fang were asked about anything outside of the city’s armed forces and Nick’s opinion on something, they’d have no clue.

Rebecca smiled at everyone. “Welcome, people of Frosthaven. Today we’re gathered for a special celebration, an event that I believe you all will remember for the years to come. There are many new faces here in Frosthaven, the growth of this great city has been tremendous, First, we believe a proper introduction of your leaders is in order.”

Eirwen gestured over to the pandafolk man. “First, we have Renzou Swiftblade, the Captain of the Town Guard. He leads with his great experience under two lords, and exceptional skill with the sword. At the peak of the second stratum and with a Rare Class, many would consider him an elite on this shard.”

Rebecca and Winny then took turns introducing each of his leaders, waving and giving explanations much like what Nick knew of them. She also introduced Elyra and Myron, who would be increasing their duties to the city in the near future.

In most cases, the people knew of these leaders, but seeing them all at once was surprising. They were much stronger than the average resident, and On Orion, you could truly feel when someone was capable, just by being near them. So this group of people actually felt impressive, in addition to looking the part. 

Eirwen gestured to the girls in the back row. “I’m sure you’ve seen many of the women in the back row. These are all the Noblefrost Ladies and Maidens–your Lord’s wives! As you can see, we are many, and we are all strong cultivators. So you can expect many Heirs, and support for your great lord as he becomes more for us all. All of us act in our king’s interests, and his interests are yours. Few lords on this shard can say they have such a vast support system, so you can rest assured your lord excels.”  

Rebecca added, “All of these people we introduced are talented and hard-working, and serve the great city of Frosthaven. Each of them drives the success of this city, a blessing to have leading us to a better future. But none of them would actually be alive or here today, if not for a certain hero. The same is for me, and for so many of us.”

There was a chorus of yeses, head nods, and a small amount of cheering and clapping among the many present. Whether directly or indirectly, nearly every resident or citizen recognized that, in some way, they were rescued by a certain hero.

Eirwen listed the hero’s exploits. “The orcs of Nagduros and the people of Zura, Seraphara’s Faithful, would not be alive or would have suffered a terrible fate, if not for a great Hero defeating the evil Bishop, a man who secretly sold people into slavery. That same hero conquered the Path of Kings Ordeal, unclaimed after a thousand years in Havendale. He easily crushed Davon, the scourge of the city, rescuing it from decades of tyranny. This hero then went on to defeat a terrible monster of the lake, uniting many monsterfolk tribes under his banner, and thwarted plots involving slaves in Silverbrook–rescuing hundreds from a horrible, unjust life.”

Rebecca added, “And that’s not all. That hero even rescued the Star Oni of Starhold, Outlanders chased by Blackthorne and his men. He crushed the evil villains, each hoping to capture them for terrible ends. Finally, Elrash was defeated and Shadowvale was liberated, much like Havendale, its people saved from a place where children were stolen in the night, sold to slavers or shoved into brothels, or other terrible fates.”

“That great hero who accomplished all these deeds is none other than the Lord of Frosthaven: Nicholas Noblefrost. A man who walks both the Path of Kings and the Hero’s Path, he will destroy all evil and protect the good, becoming a beacon of hope and an upholder of the law. Your king, your hero, will address you now.”

The slate opened, and the balcony Nick was standing on slid out slowly. Before long, he was above the platform out in front of his house, his own ornate black podium in front of him. There was an applause as he waved at his people, their cheers having a lot more fervor than he expected. 

The only people who hadn’t been truly rescued by Nick in some way were the few hundred people from Shadowvale, and the large number of immigrants from Silverbrook. 

Not all of them were ex-slaves turned into indentured servants with short sentences, so these were the only people who may have rather mild opinions about Nick. And at first, for them, it wasn’t like they arrived in paradise. Many had to aid in building homes and roads, collecting resources and working hard before they could say their situation had truly improved from the overcrowded city of Silverbrook, or the bandit-terrorized city of Shadowvale.

Overlooking his thousands of people, he couldn’t help his heart pounding and a knot form in his stomach. He was not used to this, even though he had practiced. Pushing the Will of the Frost King to the fore, he allowed his Frost Aura to push outward, the crown of ice appearing on the top of his head.  

“Hello my people, I am so glad to see so many people here, and all so strong and healthy. It has only been a few months, but things have changed so drastically since I first arrived. Today we have gathered for a special occasion, and to relay some important news that affects all that live here.”

A hush fell over the crowd, as Nick spoke seriously.

“To the West, over a week’s travel away, there is an underground kingdom–of monsters. And our scouts have reported that the monsters have confirmed the shift in the landscape, and the potential enemy has already discovered our defensive keep. It is only a matter of time before they begin probing it, or attempting to destroy it. Even now, our scouts explore the underworld, learning everything we can about the potential threat, but so far, it is unclear at what point they may become a threat to Frosthaven, if ever at all.”

He continued, “And we all know that further away to the West, there is a bandit warlord who won’t be happy about our rise. Blackthorne lost Shadowvale, along with countless bandits and his minions in the forest near Silverbrook. The North is nearly free of lawless tyranny, and more of it falls under my dominion by the day.“

It was a positive note, but the threat of Blackthorne was on many people’s minds, especially those who lived in Shadowvale. All heard the countless rumors of the threat he represented, and had lived under it almost directly. The people of Havendale just had Davon as the one holding them down, and might not have really understood who was pulling the strings.

“It is for these reason, that we have prepared. I have invested immense efforts in our great city’s defenses, proving how dear my people’s safety and security is to my heart. Behold!”

He waved his hand, and with a flash of golden light, the outer walls of his city on the hill suddenly shifted, before a transparent golden energy rose up into the sky. The people let out exclamations of surprised, ooh’s and ah’s as the massive light show occurred.

The light built up and connected, forming a dome that reached all the way to the tallest point of the towers, the Path of Kings in the center, and encompassed the entire city. The transparent dome didn’t stay golden, but remained as a distortion all around the city. 

The people cheered, understanding just how significant this barrier was. This barrier actually extended underground too, the essence of the Ordeals supplying its defensive capabilities.

“The Defensive Barrier. With it, none can enter our great city except those we allow through the gates, no matter how strong. Combined with Seraphara’s Light of Wisdom, a defensive turret powered by Seraphara’s Faithful, our great city will not fall without great costs to our enemy. Then, I have invested significantly in our many armed forces, who will protect this city, their home.”

Nick gestured behind the crowd, and at this moment, Nick’s many forces involved in the city’s security began their march, horns blaring and drums pounding, grabbing people’s attention. 

The warriors began marching up the main boulevard, from around one of the Ordeals. It was a steady stream of warriors, approaching nearly a thousand strong. The plaza had set aside some space for them, with roped off sections giving them area to march around the outskirts. The crowd watched the armed forces, each of them having respectable equipment.

Nick listed out their forces, “The City Guard led by Renzou. The Honorable Raiders led by Lothar. The Samurai warriors led by my wives, and Myron and Elyra of the star oni. And the Ashen Blades, the mercenary corps, led by Bryndor. These all represent my investment in the city’s defense, but also, to expand and tame the dangerous wilderness and lawless bandits of Orion, increasing our city’s prosperity.”    

When seeing them all at once, it was quite the sight to see. Many might have been aware that Nick had different guards and warriors, but they had never seen them all in one place–until now. The people clapped and cheered, excited to see forces that both originated from, but also dwarfed their original city’s defenses. 

“Our city of Frosthaven is new, this is true. And we have many people from numerous walks of life. The people of Zura, Nagduros, Havendale, Shadowvale, and immigrants from Silverbrook have all come together to establish something special: the beginning of the Noblefrost Kingdom, the city of Frosthaven. In the past six months we have accomplished so much, and for that, I thank you. Your hard work has proven to me that all my efforts have been worthwhile. That all you needed was safety and opportunity, and you could excel. I am truly proud of all of you.”

Some of the people actually seemed moved, some cheering or shouting out, or whistling. But now he was getting to the crux of why he even did this event in the first place, and why he needed to speak himself.

“I want you to know that all of you have equal importance to me, whether you fight or you make, or you serve, or you climb. All of you are citizens of Frosthaven in the end, and I will put my life on the line to fight for you, and do everything in my power to help you become more. I wish you all to accomplish your dreams, and I will fight hard to bring you all to a brighter future.”

He listed his plans, “The Defensive Barrier, Seraphara’s Light of Wisdom, and our armed forces were my investments in your security–your safety. Soon, I will invest far more heavily in your prosperity and your potential. A Crafter’s Quarter will soon follow, and then after that, our knowledge on cultivation will be unmatched on this Shard. So why are we here? What are we celebrating today, I’m sure you’re all wondering?”

Nick swept his gaze across all the people in the crowd. “Today we are celebrating my first declaration. I am announcing the Noblefrost Kingdom as a beacon of good, of hope and light here on Orion. Frosthaven will be a place of sanctuary against all evil, a place of good, power, and enlightenment. As a Lord of Orion, I will carry out Orion’s Will, making sure citizens in my kingdom have the resources and opportunities to become more.”

It was time for him to no longer hide behind a veneer of ambiguity. Up to now, he did not want rumors that his plan was to kill Blackthorne, that he would bow down to him just for his own or his people’s safety. No longer.

“To become that beacon, it will not be easy. Opportunity is a privilege, and to even begin to realize that goal, safety must be achieved. The Good are not truly safe until the wicked and lawless have been judged. It is for that reason we must destroy the greatest evil on this shard: Blackthorne. He gathers and feeds on evil, drawing thousands of bandits under his banner, all committing terrible acts and ruining countless lives. Many here can say they are among those who’s loved ones have been hurt, all fearing for when he might knock on the gates. Until he is defeated, we must sleep with one eye open, fearing for our children or our children’s children. His evil always lurking, insidious, and corrupting.”

The crowd was quiet once more, but their emotions were charged. Nick could feel the stirring of the essence, the people fearful or vindictive. 

He continued, “I will no longer allow it. Today I claim independence of the North from his tyranny, and I will not bow or break this promise. I swear on this crown and my sword that I will not allow his evil reign, and this Kingdom’s army will be wielded like a blade that cuts deeply into his chest, banishing his Dark Kingdom’s evil from this shard forever. My Kingdom and I will make its stand against him, even if he or his armies show up at our gates.” 

Some of the people were fearful, their faces masks of worry. But his wives and Follower’s faces were resolute, each filled with determination.

“Some of you are fearful. You think that we cannot win. That we will fall like the rest who stood against him, or beg for mercy when he arrives at our gates, selling out the people we’ve sworn to protect. ”  

He shook his head. “But I will ascend until I am his match, and then I will Judge him just as I did all others, even going so far as to hunt him down myself. I have hired mercenaries led by Bryndor, the Ashen Blades, and we will make him and his minions pay for their many sins on this shard. I ask that we all work together, that everyone in this city thinks about what they can do to help, then does what they can to aid us in defeating this threat. If you don’t know what you can do, then seek one of the leaders introduced, and they will be happy to find something for you to do to help. I ask for no more than that.” 

At first, Nick had been worried that Bryndor had picked so many with vendettas against Blackthorne. But now, it actually turned into a strength. 

“Me reaching the third Stratum will be my first step to deliver on that promise. Within the next few weeks, I will be entering the Path of Kings Ordeal, and I intend on taking on the Boss of the 20th Floor. I will become more, and become a true elite on this shard, able to stand against him. Remember my words, for I have the strength, the support, and the talent to make them come true.”

The essence within the crowd stirred, the numerous people’s wills converging. They had tasted freedom and opportunity in Frosthaven these last few months for the first times in their lives, and they were willing to fight for it, some, even to die for it. Many were afraid, but they wanted to believe. 

Their king and hero had triumphed over many villains, and this was just another in the list. He had fearlessly declared that he would destroy Blackthorne, where so many others had failed. 

Orion responded, the essence answering the people’s call. Their zeal wrapped around him like a cloak, the responsibility of his people’s desires and dreams weighing down on him like binding chains. Nick’s mana aura, the one he imagined as swirling chains of light and dark, latched onto these chains, his will and his people’s becoming one.  

This was the Path of Kings. The will of the people would gather, their desires clinging to the living essence. As long as he held their loyalty and devotion, Nick, their Lord, was the executor of that will. Empowered by their collective wills and the essence, Nick’s Dominion now carried a weight far greater than himself. His will was the people’s, and the people’s will was his.  

And that wasn’t all. Among many within the crowd, people wished for and cried out for a hero. Someone to save and protect them from evil, to redeem them and others from horrible fates. They had witnessed other lives harmed, and feared they too would suffer. Others still were inspired, wishing to become a hero themselves.  

This was the Hero’s Path. To redeem the weak from evil, becoming their savior. To inspire empathy and compassion in others, to make sacrifices for the greater good.

The two paths fed into one another, Nick’s Path as a Heroic King creating loyalty and devotion through his heroic acts, and maintaining it through returning his people’s loyalty with responsibility, capable leadership, and strength. 

So much went into all of those things, but Nicholas Noblefrost embodied everything the people of Frosthaven needed from their Lord. Not every person within Frosthaven was his Follower, but every single person could feel his care in the investment he made in all of his people. 

Slots in the Ordeals. The stalls in the Mall. Orion’s essence from the Ordeals, supplying various important buildings, in addition to constructing the buildings themselves, such as the Defensive Barrier. The gold spent on resources in Silverbrook, only to be brought back and shared with his people to build infrastructure and increase their safety and comfort. 

When combined with his heroic acts and his capable subordinates, it painted a dramatic picture of a Lord they could, for the first time in their lives, truly have faith in. A Lord to be thankful for his presence and a desire to return the favor and privilege.

The crowd had cheered and shouted, their fervor like electricity in the air. Not all truly believed, but they were outnumbered by those who held a much deeper trust in their hearts. Because of the weight of their wills, he knew that his Path Convergence skill was significantly improved. It had held the weight of his Path before, as it would for all Ordeal Owners. 

But before, it was only his most faithful subordinates, his Soul Pacted Followers that held any kind of loyalty. Now the vast majority of his people treated him as their ruler, acknowledging their fealty to him.  

“Today marks the day that I declared Blackthorne as our enemy, and proclaimed my vision for our Kingdom. From this day forward, it will be our first national holiday–The Day of the King’s Mandate. It will be a day of celebration of our successes of the previous year, but also a day you hear your lord’s voice, my decrees, goals, and aspirations for us for the following year. And of course–to enjoy food and entertainment, for no celebration can be complete without them. Enjoy this day, and look forward to the future we’ll build together, my treasured citizens.”

Nick turned away from the thunderous applause, and the balcony began receding back into the building.

Eirwen spoke from the platform, “Your Lord has spoken. You heard him, it’s time to celebrate! He has paid for all the cooked food and the special drinks imported from Silverbrook, so enjoy to your heart’s content. The road ahead will be challenging, but today is a day to feast and be merry. First up, we have Seraphara’s orchestra to play while you fill your bellies. Later there will be folk music and dancing, and a crafting and invention showcase! Look forward to it!”

Food was brought out, the stalls at the edge of the plaza unveiling various meals. Nick had spared no expense when it came to these preparations, hoping to make it a day that people remembered.

Nick was not taking any chances on the 20th Floor. With his training the past month and some change, the Hero’s Path had undoubtedly fully charged. He was likely to experience a damn near impossible 20th Floor where he was given both challenges at the same time, and so he needed every smidgen of power that he could muster. 

While Nick was the Lord of Frosthaven as decreed by Orion as the Ordeal Owner, up to now, he only barely acted like one to the average citizen. This limited how much he could potentially gain from the weight of his Paths, and so he had devised this method–the same as his father did, among many others.

This was his first real attempt to ignite his people’s passions and drive, and to make a real connection to his people. 

For now, he would go back to rewarding his potential Maidens, and then he would join his people for the celebration, and show his face to as many people as he could. 

After that, it was time for the king to rise.