Cataclysm Conquest | Chapter 04: Heavy is the Crown (First Draft)

Saturday, November 26, 4 S.E.

“Ready?” Leonidas asked his companions, glancing from Aylar, to Synthra, to Kairi, and then to his parents, as they stood before the immense still-closed golden doors to the Senatorum Royalis—the immense building that seated both the House of Commons and House of Nobles, as well as the rarely-used joint chamber that could fit both comfortably. The building itself was made of white marble and modeled on the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. “This is the first time we’re doing this formally. It’ll probably be a wild ride.”

“You’re certain I can’t just shank the mouthy ones?” his sister answered immediately, drawing a sigh from his parents, an amused smile from Aylar, and a thoughtful hum from Synthra.

The relationship between his sister and his parents had improved markedly in the months since the War, though there remained a faint distance between them that no amount of talk alone could bridge.

Kairi had told him to mind his own business when he’d pried, and he had.

It hurt him to see it, but his sister was a grown woman, and he respected that.

“That would defeat the purpose of the Address, Kairi,” Leonidas said wryly, while lifting his arm to allow Aylar to lay her left hand upon it, wedding ring catching the light. Both of them wore their Crowns, with a smaller tiara on Kairi’s own head—much to her annoyance—and formal attire for all six of them. Leonidas had chosen his preferred black, silver-trimmed suit, while Aylar had gone with an elegant black dress with golden bicep clasps and embedded rubies, complete with golden filigree along the bustier and the loosened abdominal area to account for her pregnancy.

Synthra wore her stereotypical fire-red dress, trimmed in gold and adorned with topaz, and her sister wore a more modern off-the-shoulder black dress boldly emblazoned with the Ordo Umbrae sigil on its bodice. His father wore a Victorian-style suit, and his mother had selected a darker shade of red for her dress, studded with emeralds.

“Everything will be fine, husband,” Aylar said to him warmly, her eyes shifting to alight on Synthra and Kairi specifically. “No one will cause a scene.”

Both women met her eyes and then murmured agreement, Synthra with a blush, and Kairi with a sigh of surrender. It was masterful, in truth, the way his wife managed their family—a Matriarch born to her role, and a Queen secure in her own power. He was incredibly lucky to have her.

“Your Majesties,” Mernyn said, stepping up to them in his resplendent golden warplate, adorned on the breastplate with the black dragon of the Royal House, and equipped with the paired dragon-headed pauldrons of his rank as Primarch. “We are ready to begin when you are.”

Leonidas nodded, took a breath, and reached up to adjust his black, ruby-and-amethyst-set crown, a dark mirror to Aylar’s own golden one.

“Let’s kick it off, Primarch.”

Mernyn nodded and turned, making a signal to a waiting aide, who ran off immediately.

Moments later, trumpets blared within the chamber beyond, and the golden doors yawned open to the immense amphitheater beyond. Music from the orchestra in the balcony above the chamber played an instrumental rendition of ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC, at Leonidas’ personal request, and he tried not to smirk as he led the way.

Leonidas walked into the United Houses chamber with Aylar on his arm, Synthra and Kairi one step behind, and his parents walking arm-in-arm behind both. The banners of House Pendragon hung in two immense tapestries from the vaulted ceiling, with the banners of Noble Houses displayed along the wall of the circular chamber as Leonidas descended the purple-carpeted stairs toward the central podium.

Uriel and Ceruviel stood at the top of the semicircular dais upon which Leonidas and Aylar would speak, in front of their elevated seats at its furthest back and highest point, in full warplate; clapping with determined approval as the King and Queen steadily made their way down the stairs.

The chamber was split in half, with the Nobles to his left as he walked down, and the Commons on his right, all of them standing to applaud as courtesy and duty demanded while their Sovereign and Queen crossed the intervening distance between the entrance and the elevated platform. The seats on both sides had been intentionally built to match, with twenty seats per row, per quadrant, sectioned into four neat quadrants, creating a total capacity of two hundred on each side, with two quadrants belonging to each the Nobles and the Commons.

Leonidas was unsurprised to see that both sections were completely filled, and if some of the Nobles’ seats were for family members of voting representatives, he couldn’t blame them. The chamber was designed for growth, not current numbers. The representation of the Nobles compared to the Commons would remain comparatively low for years more, yet.

Aureates stood in front of every row, halberds high, and bodies still; thumping their weapons against the stone as the Royals descended with Mernyn shadowing them.

When the Royal Party reached the bottom of the stairs, Leonidas paused to wink at Aylar and then led her toward the raised semicircular platform at the front and lowest point of the chamber. Kairi followed them alongside Mernyn, while Synthra and his parents took reserved seats in the front row; his wife-to-be looked determinedly haughty when she stood in a stunning display of feminine beauty before her seat, and joined in the applause with his bemused and wide-eyed parents.

Around them sat his Ministers, each one a member of his Council of the Realm, responsible for different aspects of the Kingdom; twelve in total.

Leonidas led his wife to the two ornate thrones situated before the speaking pulpit, joining her in standing before them as applause continued to echo in the Chamber, and Mernyn and Kairi took their positions; Mernyn to Leonidas’ right, and Kairi to Aylar’s left, in smaller thrones prepared for the two Ordo leaders.

Leonidas raised his eyes to the balconies ringing the assembly room and spied the mass of citizens and press in the viewing galleries, standing together under the hawkish gazes of the Aureates within the high-vaulted chamber as they took photos and clapped enthusiastically as well. He was glad to see a decent number of Svartfenn among them. He’d ordered that they be included specifically.

After a minute passed through the digits in his HUD, Leonidas lifted his ungloved hands, and the applause rapidly died as those within the Chamber took their seats, and Leonidas stepped forward while Aylar took her seat. The Queen had insisted he be the one to make the formal address, noting that he was both the unifying force in the City and the [Sovereign]—while also cheating and pointing out her pregnancy made it difficult to stand for extended periods.

He tried not to smile at the memory and swept his gaze over the assembled personalities, attired in various forms of dress from scandalous to conservative, but each one markedly glamorous.

This is prosperity. This is what I have to protect.

The organization of the Commons was relatively simple: the City had been carved into Quarters, Blocs, and Wards, each with a democratically elected representative. Each Quarter in the city had 6 Blocs, with 8 Wards per Bloc, for a total of 192 representatives in the House of Commons. The Quarters were represented by Governors, the Blocs by Senators, and the Wards by Wardens. A little on the nose, but he’d liked the play on words.

When everyone had taken their seats, Leonidas took a breath.

“Good morning, honorable Governors, Senators, and Wardens, and Noble Houses of Dawnhaven. Good morning, as well, to the citizens of Avalon, without whom this great endeavor would be forever absent its lifeblood. As your King and [Sovereign], I am proud to stand here, three months after the Cataclysm War, and count all of you present and those beyond these walls as my loyal citizens.”

Another round of applause greeted his words as the Chamber rose, and Leonidas allowed it to echo through the area, lifting his right hand briefly for silence again and waiting for the Chamber to take its seats before he continued.

“It has been a long journey since I first stumbled into Dawnhaven, five months and twelve days ago, almost to the hour. In that time, our home has undergone tremendous changes—changes that have pushed us, pressured us, and forced us to Temper as a growing civilization amid the trials and tribulations that would have seen us destroyed.”

His words reverberated throughout the area, and Leonidas thanked his [Archon’s Will] for keeping him stable, his gaze rolling over the assembled faces.

“In the wake of our trials, we have emerged stronger. The Legions of Avalon have swelled in number, numbering six in total, with sixty thousand proud souls serving this nation to defend and prosecute its national security. The Aegis of Avalon has become a symbol of peace and justice within the Realm as it ensures our streets are safe, with over five thousand Cultivators of Adept rank and above serving with distinction within its hallowed ranks.”

Another round of applause followed, and Leonidas paused as the Chamber stood again, cheering for the growth of their military—an approval shared by every race present. If there was one thing that remained cross-species applicable, he supposed, it was the love of a strong military.

When the applause subsided half a minute later, he continued.

“The unprecedented growth of our nation has seen new challenges, and we have welcomed both the Svartfenn of Talrinar and the citizens of the Unity Coalition into our fold, so too have the challenges we face as a nation grown—not because of them, but because of those that would use the shared desire of safety, prosperity, and liberty to assail the heart of our nation.”

His words echoed once more, and Leonidas made sure to drive his point home.

“Svartfenn and Coalition citizens have been an immense boon to our nation, both in manpower and materials, and with the resurgence of hitherto unthought-of martial disciplines that have diversified and strengthened our economic and martial might beyond imagining. Yet, there are those that would seek to use our sheltering principles to invade our home, to destabilize it, at the same time as our new brothers and sisters seek to forge a new life under the Banner of the Dragon.”

Leonidas’ eyes narrowed, and his voice took on a steely edge.

“To those villains, I have given the Ordo Aureati and Ordo Umbrae—led by Primarch Mernyn Telmachus Sunblessed, and my sister, Eidolon Kairi Yunalesca Pendragon, Princess-Royal of Dawnhaven. Together, these Ordos have worked to both expand our vision far beyond the borders of Avalon and to secure the safety and prosperity of our home, seeking out and removing the cankerous blights that would see us, all of us, brought low for their own selfish ends.”

Another wave of applause met his words, and Leonidas noted with quiet amusement that it was far less enthusiastic, while Mernyn and Kairi waved mildly, as required. More than one person in the audience had heard about the activities of Kairi’s Specters and the Aureati Confessors, but he cared little. Peace without strength was a delusion. He’d learned that on Elatra and from Terran history.

If securing the peace of his nation meant spilling blood, he was ready for it.

“As we approach the New Year,” Leonidas continued as the applause died down, “we must look now to the future of this Kingdom. As the Integration’s next cycle approaches, the peace we have achieved will be tested. Ascendant manabeasts will grow more rampant, Calamity-class threats will attack the New World, and those that would see Dawnhaven and all of Avalon burn for their ambitions will set their sights upon us.”

His eyes traveled across the assembled faces, and he finally let his expression morph into a firm smile.

“But we are not without our own defenses! Indeed, we have made immense strides in fortifying the outer sectors of the Thronehold, securing the farmlands that will become the lifeblood of our home, and have been assertively seeking allies and new friends with whom we can unite to stand against what comes. Each Year will grow bloodier; each new challenge will bring new perils, but we will not shrink away. As your King and [Sovereign], as your Protector and the System-decreed bearer of this World’s [Cataclysm Core], I will never shrink away!”

Applause followed his words again, and Leonidas looked up toward the galleries, seeing the Svartfenn watching him with a mix of fear, reverence, and awe that still made him both strangely pleased and markedly uncomfortable.

He would use their belief for Avalon, but it didn’t mean he had to enjoy it.

“As you all know,” he continued half a minute later, “the days ahead of us will be dark, and that is why the brightest lights have never been more important. The future of Avalon must be one that shines as brightly as the sun, even in the most torturous of days, if we are to weather the nightmares that the Integration is yet to summon. All of you, from the most humble citizen to the most lauded Hero, must do your part—for your children, that they may inherit a Kingdom bereft of the fear of predation, and safe from the threat of annihilation.”

His eyes swept the chamber, and his expression set into grim certainty.

“What we are building in this Thronehold, and across the ever-expanding borders of Avalon, is not a new United States—it is a new endeavor entirely! I have gifted you your Charter of Liberties. I have drafted your Constitution. I have made it clear that unity, progress, and togetherness are the path to our salvation. It pains me, thus, that some of you have yet to understand the imperatives behind these actions—that the evils of xenophobia remain rampant, even against those that have given me their System-avowed loyalty.”

Leonidas roved his eyes across the assembled representatives, elected and unelected both, and his gaze steeled again.

“This Kingdom is the product of determination, of stoicism, of unity of purpose. I cannot and will not tolerate blind hatred and misplaced prejudice to poison its purpose. As King, I have a duty to you all, but above that, I have a duty to the world. If we are to unite this Continent, as I fully intend to do, and bring the light of justice and hope to those under benighted suffering, we cannot do so if we are unable to see past the blind and irrational antipathy that poisons us.”

Leonidas took a breath as his words settled, and then forged ahead.

“I believe in the best nature of my people. I believe in the common desire for goodness, in the spirit of togetherness, and in the indefatigable pursuit of joint prosperity. I believe, people of Avalon, in the purity of our intent—in the worth of this undertaking, and in the sacrifice and the burdens we must bear to see it through. I believe in this Kingdom, in you, and in the unyielding spirit with which we have overcome so much, together. This is our doing, as one nation, and of that you should be proud!”

A cheer arose at his words, and Leonidas nodded, accepting the praise as applause mixed with it, and knowing it would not last overlong. Not after what he’d planned to say. When the reception died down, he continued again.

“This address is as much about what we have achieved, what we can achieve, and what ails us as it is about the foundational pursuit of stability.” He paused then and smiled wryly. “Stability. A strange word to use in a time when magic is real, monsters assail our gates, and the very world we Terrans once knew has been irrevocably altered. We are blessed by the knowledge, insights, and wisdom of our brothers and sisters from across the System Nexus Worlds—but we have not utilized that knowledge to its greatest extent. We, the people of Terra, have always been a proud species—but as King, I must look beyond my own birth. As the Cataclysm, I must consider the scope of the world we now live in, not merely the world we wish to see.”

His eyes roved over the watching multitudes, knowing his voice was reaching the City via aetherial broadcast, and he spoke steadily.

“To that end…”

Leonidas took a moment, pausing as he captured their attention, and breathed out before he spoke again—knowing his next words would be met with something less than enthusiasm.

“...As your [Sovereign], and King of Avalon, I am hereby declaring the founding of the Royal Academy of Avalon, whose attendance will be mandated from Monday to Friday, for every youth aged four and above, until the age of eighteen. Furthermore, every citizen of legal age of majority will henceforth be required to train for a minimum period of two years with the Legions of Avalon, with exceptions for those whose Alphas qualify them for more specialist roles, or gain ostensibly non-combat-oriented Classes.”

Troubled murmurs met his words, and Leonidas narrowed his eyes. A handful of Commons members shifted uncomfortably, and one or two rose halfway from their seats before thinking better of it.

“This proclamation is made neither lightly nor in the absence of knowledge of its weight,” he said firmly, voice carrying within the Chamber. “Conscription has never been my desire, but I too often have heard the reports of great threats from beyond our borders—as well as the troubling increase in racial tension within our Thronehold. If we are to be one people, we must be one people; Avalonians, together undivided.”

His fist tightened on the pulpit, and he spoke intently.

“When I look out upon this gathered collective, seated here in this ambitious Chamber, I do not see race. I see fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters. I see families united in purpose but distinct in their cultural identities. That is well, for we are the summation of our joint culture, not made lesser by it.”

His eyes swept the rows as they listened, and his expression firmed.

“However, when those differences erupt into contention—that is something I will not, and cannot, abide. In ages past, joint education and martial service have always been the unifying bonds between souls, and in this world of manabeasts and terrors, so too shall it be again.”

His voice rose, and he let his [Cataclysm Core] rumble, injecting his Charisma into his voice with every iota of his bonuses in play.

“The Rule of Law is paramount for the security of Dawnhaven, and while these announced changes will no doubt be met with consternation, I will remind each and every citizen of what it is we are fighting for: safety. Peace. Prosperity. We are fighting for our survival, for our very existence, in a world that will devour us as the System watches on with immutable disinterest. If we do not stand together, we will fall divided, and so the Rule of Law must remain the paramount consideration in all things, especially as we move forward.”

His eyes lowered, and he swept his gaze over his Council of the Realm, regarding them each before looking back to the Chamber.

“I never asked to be made King. I never wanted to be a [Sovereign]. I was a college student five years ago, as normal and carefree as many Terrans in this room—but destiny, fate, or mere chance, whichever you wish to call it, has demanded I serve, and I have accepted that burden. I accepted that burden when I fought Braedon Eldormer. I accepted that burden when I led our armies in defense of Dawnhaven. I accept that burden now, before you all, as I see so many eyes filled with uncertainty and doubt as I make my declarations—but Heavy is the Crown.”

Leonidas took another breath as murmurs followed his words, and then looked back to his Ministers before speaking once more.

“Many are the souls that have asked after the Rule of Law in Avalon, and what it means in the grand scope. Allow me, now, to put to rest that question. I have spoken with my Ministers, and the Council of the Realm, and as such, I am declaring this Edict here and now, by my authority as [Sovereign] and King: there will be no prisons in Avalon, there will be no drain on its people or its economy to house those incapable of pursuing our vision of united prosperity. If any Citizen hereafter violates the law through theft, fraud, or another non-capital crime, they will be tried before my Magistrates—and if found guilty, they will serve their sentence in aid of the common good in community service.”

The tension in the room softened, only slightly, but Leonidas wasn’t done.

“However,” he said firmly, voice magnified by the Chamber’s acoustics.

“If any person within Avalon commits a capital offense and is found guilty of assault with intent, domestic violence, or armed robbery, among other crimes, let me be very clear: the offending citizen will not be simply banished or exiled.”

Leonidas let the words sit, and then made his declaration.

“They will have their Core destroyed and be left to the Wilds of Terra.”

A chill seemed to pass through the chamber, and more than one Noble exchanged uneasy glances. The King firmed his features despite the reactions and looked across the Chamber.

“And if they commit rape or murder,” he said with cold finality, “I will execute them myself.”