The sun rose on a new day, casting a faint orange glow over the sand like land. John, together with the crown prince, Julias, and Princess Isabella stood in front of the newly erected graves. Rain created from magic was pouring down, drenching everything in sight. The created clouds were dark, filled with a heaviness that mirrored the mood of the silent farewell for the fallen rebels, soldiers, and servants. Not even the chirping of birds or the sounds of animals could be heard.
John was lost in thought and weighed down by grief, standing silently in the rain. The crown prince stood beside him, wearing a black suit with a bleak expression etched onto his face. On the other side, Princess Isabella stood, her dress a deep black with crimson streaks, her face covered by a black veil. It was a day of both celebration and loss, and the solemn sounds of trumpets played by soldiers in royal armor filled the air.
One by one, families carried the bodies of their loved ones to be buried, with each body being announced and their role in the recent struggle. In the middle of the new graveyard stood a podium and seats. The entourage made their way over, and the Princess took the stage to speak words of encouragement to the people, recounting the hardships and pain they had suffered.
John was beckoned to come forward, and he stood beside the princess as she introduced him and explained his deeds of heroism. Silence captured the hearts of many, their eyes glued to John as he raised his head to the sky. Tears streamed down his face, igniting a symphony of pain in the hearts of those present.
John spoke up, his voice laden with pain, and he spoke to the people in a manner filled with humanity. He promised to do his best to protect all those who needed it, his words spanning the banners of heroism in their hearts. They felt warmth in their hearts for the first time in a long while, and John had used the skill "Warlord Speech" to awaken the hidden fire in the hearts of the people present.
After John bowed and retreated behind the princess, the crown prince stepped forward. He spoke earnestly about what had happened, not withholding anything back. The people remained in silence as he spoke, feeling the pain of his remorse and guilt. The priest skill of the princess, "Resonance of Light," allowed those able to hear the words to feel and experience what the crown prince went through. The crowd all burst into tears of pain, but then came a calm like that of a parent's embrace, thanks to John's skill known as "Calm After The Storm."
After some ceremonial pleasantries, everyone left, leaving behind only John, the princess, and the crown prince. The crown prince made eye contact with John, his black eyes containing silent sorrow and pain. John came forward and hugged him, and the princess also came forth to enjoin them. This brought the crown prince peace for the first time in a very long time.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
As they broke up and returned to their quarters, a shadow appeared. It was John's protector, who sighed and disappeared into the shadows. The rain stopped, and the sun came out from behind the clouds, casting a warm glow over the new graves.
As the trio made their way back to their quarters, the heavy silence still hung in the air. John could feel the weight of the crown prince's sorrow and guilt, and it made him ache inside. He knew that the prince had not been directly responsible for the situation, but he had played a role in the events that had led to it. It was a heavy burden for anyone to carry.
As they entered their quarters, the prince spoke up. "I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. It's just that...this whole situation has been so overwhelming, and I didn't know how to handle it."
John nodded in understanding. "It's alright, Your Highness. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you."
The crown prince sighed heavily. "I don't know what to do. My father is dead, and my people are suffering. And now, with the threat of enemies looming, I fear that things will only get worse."
John knew that the prince needed someone to talk to, someone who would listen and offer advice. "Your Highness, I know that this is a difficult time for you, but you are not alone. You have the support of your people, and of your sister and I."
The princess nodded in agreement. "John is right. We are here for you, brother. And together, we will find a way to bring peace to our kingdom."
The crown prince managed a small smile. "Thank you both. I don't know what I would do without you."
As they entered their quarters, the princess spoke up. "John, I need to speak with you in private."
John nodded and followed her to a separate room. Once they were alone, the princess turned to him, her eyes filled with concern. "John, I know that you feel responsible for some matters that have happened. But please know that I do not wish for you to blame yourself. You have done everything in your power to protect us and our people. You are a hero, John."
John's heart swelled with emotion at her words. He had always respected and admired the princess, but hearing her praise him like this was overwhelming. He could feel his eyes welling up with tears.
"Thank you, Princess," he managed to choke out.
She smiled at him warmly. "Please, call me Isabella. We have been through too much together to stand on formality."
John nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and camaraderie towards her. As they made their way back to the main room, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would continue to do everything in his power to protect the people of this world.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings and negotiations. John worked tirelessly, using his skills as a warlord to help find a peaceful solution to the several situations. It was a difficult task, but he was determined to see it through to the end.
As the day drew to a close, John found himself alone in his room, lost in thought. He knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. He would face them head-on, with the strength and courage of a true fighter.
And as he closed his eyes, he could feel the weight of the princess's words still echoing in his mind. You are a hero, John. It was a simple statement, but it meant everything to him. He knew that he was not alone in this fight, and that together, they would emerge victorious.