The Bearkin gathered around their fallen king, their voices echoed raw with sorrow and eyes filled with respect. They had lost many friends and family in the fight, but they had also won a hard-fought triumph that would be remembered for generations. Solace filled the hearts of every warrior; they had followed their king into the jaws of defeat and came out victorious.
Dirges sang out as the Koda and the patriarchs approached the old king corpse with solemn expressions.
“If my father was alive, he would be proud,” Koda began, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment. “You brave warriors secured our bloodline! Your valor and strength will be remembered. Your triumph will be remembered for generations. Today, the world will know the Ursa Kingdom stood victorious against a tyrant!”
The Bearkin cheered, the rousing speech reached the very depth of soldiers ‘souls. Bearkin and refugees alike celebrated their hard-won victory.
Despite Koda’s speech, the patriarchs knew the kingdom needed rebuilding, their borders fortified, and most importantly, a new sovereign needed to be elected.
“Tonight, let us honor our fallen. Our brethren gave their lives to ensure our freedom,” Koda softened as she finished her speech.
As the Bearkin began the grim task of tending to their dead and wounded, Koda took a moment to reflect on the events that had brought them to this point. She thought of her father, he was a wise and courageous king, whose sacrifice had paved the way for their victory. She vowed as the daughter of the Ursa Clan to uphold his legacy and lead the Bearkin with honor and strength.
Henry, exhausted gasped for air and placed his hands on his knees to catch his breath. As his focused returned to the battlefield, he noticed the once a cacophony of violence and death, had quitted. Henry, his axe still clutched in his hand, surveyed the scene with a mixture of relief and sorrow.
In the distance he saw Archnida and her children returning with bodies wrapped in webbing before returning to the gate from whence they were summoned. Sighing, Henry finally felt a sense of finality. He knew it was time to head back home. Back to his house, his friends, and his people.
As he stood up, Henry felt his vision blurred as a familiar tingling sensation. and a series of system messages appeared before his eyes:
System Message:
Congratulations you have reached Level 70. You have 5 Stat Points to allocate.
System Message:
Congratulations you have reached Level 71. You have 5 Stat Points to allocate.
System Message:
Congratulations you have reached Level 72. You have 5 Stat Points to allocate.
System Message:
Congratulations you have reached Level 73. You have 5 Stat Points to allocate.
System Message:
Congratulations you have reached Level 74. You have 5 Stat Points to allocate.
A smile grew across from Henry’s face as he read the string of message. However, what he read next made him happiest.
System Message:
Congratulations you are now ranked in the Top 100 players.
Henry stared at his name in 95th place. Since arriving in Ursa, his level had rapidly increased. Truly this kingdom was formidable, nothing was given, everything had to be earned with grit. It was no wonder his level shot up after entering.
As he was deep in thought, Koda approached him and smiled. “Congratulations, warden. Without your strength, I’m afraid the causalities would be higher.”
“Thank you, but this victory belongs to every one of us.”
Koda's eyes softened. “I can see why the Goddess Demeter favors you. Your humility and skills are equally matched. My father was proud to fight beside a warden. Thanks to your caravans of food our people were fed. Your magic repaired our walls held, restored our weapons, and your summons protected our people. If not for you, we may not be victorious.”
“You flatter me, princess.”
“With my father gone, the throne lays open. Already people lay claim to the throne. But you, a warden, would make a worthy claimant. And if I were to be your mate, your claim to the throne would be absolute.”
Henry felt a pang of remorse. “I already have a fief and a mate. I do not seek another of either.”
“Why?” Koda asked frantically. “Why be a baron, when you could be a king? It’s natural for strong warriors to take several mates. As your queen, I would allow you to take several mates.”
“I apologize, but I’ll be leaving soon. I’m taking my family back to my territory.”
“You’re leaving?” Koda asked, her eyes drooping in sadness.
Henry nodded; his expression gentle but firm. “Yes, Princess. My place is with my people and my family. The Ursa Kingdom will always hold a special place in my heart, but my duty calls me elsewhere.”
Koda sighed; her disappointment evident. “I understand. Before you go, please stay for the award ceremony. My father would want your achievements honored.
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Henry nodded. “Of course, Princess. I will stay for the ceremony.”
…
Weeks later, after the grim task of tending to their dead and wounded, the ceremony of honor was held. The debris was swept to the corners to make room for brave warriors who gathered. Despite the damage, pristine banners and decorations adorned the hall. The atmosphere was one of solemn pride and celebration, as the Bearkin gathered to pay tribute to their heroes. The air buzzed with anticipation as the clan patriarchs led their clansmen into the assembly, each member dressed in their polished dæmon.
At the front of the hall stood a large dais, where Koda and her brother, and the patriarchs of the major clans—Bearington, Bearstein, Bjorn, Obearon, and Bearnhardt—were seated. Koda, resplendent in her ceremonial armor, stood at the center, ready to address her people. Behind her, on the throne, sat her brother with the former king’s sword at his side.
As the hall quieted, Koda stepped forward. Her voice, filled with a mix of authority and warmth, echoed through the grand chamber. "Today, we gather not only to celebrate our victory but to honor those who have made it possible. We have faced unimaginable trials, and we have emerged stronger and more united than ever before. Our kingdom stands tall, thanks to the bravery and sacrifice of many."
The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers a testament to their collective pride. Koda raised her hand, and the hall fell silent once more. "First, let us honor our fallen king, Baloo. His wisdom, courage, and sacrifice have paved the way for our future. He will forever be remembered in our hearts and our history."
A moment of silence followed a tribute to King Baloo's memory. Then, Koda continued, "Today, we also recognize the extraordinary bravery of our victorious warriors. Their valor on the battlefield and their unwavering dedication to our kingdom have been nothing short of heroic.”
After she finished, she sat down, and her brother stood to continue, “We also honor the patriarchs of our clans, whose guidance and strength were vital. Patriarchs, please step forward."
Bearington, Bearstein, Bjorn, Obearon, and Bearnhardt stepped onto the dais, their expressions gratified and honored. The prince presented each of them with gold and a recognizing their contributions to the victory and the rebuilding efforts.
"Together, we have faced the darkness," the prince said, "and together, we will endeavor to protect our inheritance. Our bloodline is our greatest strength, and we will honor the memory of our fallen by ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain."
The clans stood in file and marched to the stage when it was time to award the brave warriors and loyal citizens who had contributed to the kingdom's survival and recovery. Each recipient was rewarded with 500 silvers and 50 contribution points from either the kingdom, clan, or both. Only after the last clansmen received their award did the audience applaud and cheer. When it was Henry’s turn, he approached the stage and turned to the face the prince on the dais.
“Warden, today, we honor your extraordinary bravery and leadership crucial to our victory. Without your strength, and the power of your summons, our losses would have been far greater. To honor your achievement, you award 500 silver coins, 100 contribution points from this kingdom, and 500 contributions points from your clan. In addition, I bestowed up the Medal of Valor. You are a true hero of the Bearkin."
When Henry stepped down from the stage, he saluted his grandfather, not once losing eye contact. Confronting his patriarch openly could provoke a challenge. The crowd, seeing Henry approach his grandfather, began to murmur, wondering if he would contest the patriarch's position. With the patriarch injured and his uncle maimed, Henry certainly stood a chance of victory.
“Grandson?” the Bearington Patriarch asked, surveying the eyes aimed at their attention.
“Grandfather,” Henry replied informally, handing over his contribution points and medal.
As their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills, a palace guard approached, condemning Henry, “You dare interrupt a royal ceremony.”
“It’s against the oath for the royal family to meddle in clan business!” John commanded. Despite his amputated arm resting in a sling, John remained a formidable warrior. His dedicated support for Henry demonstrated how much he had grown to respect his nephew.
“Guards! Stand down,” Koda ordered, outmaneuvering her brother to grab the dais. “The Ursa Clan respects the oath.”
Henry turned back to his grandfather, his voice steady and clear. “Grandfather, you agreed to reinstate my mother into the clan if I brought honor to the family by triumphing in trial by combat and earning valorous deeds. I have earned over 600 contributions and a Medal of Valor. Will you reinstate my mother’s inheritance?”
Silence covered the hall, all eyes falling on the Bearington Patriarch and the Warden. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, the tension palpable as everyone awaited the patriarch's response.
The Bearington Patriarch, his face a mask of contemplation, finally spoke. “You have indeed brought great honor to our clan, Henry. Your deeds on the battlefield and your contributions are undeniable.”
Then turning to the face the audience, announced, “I, the Bearington Patriarch, proclaim the reinstatement of my daughter, with full honors and inheritance, back into the Bearington Clan.”
A wave of relief and triumph washed over Henry. He nodded respectfully to his grandfather. Turned around and took his place in line.
The crowd erupted in applause, the tension dissipating as cheers filled the hall. The Bearkin, witnessing the moment of reconciliation and honor, with a stalwart respect for Henry’ achievement. For Bearkin nothing meant more than honor and family. To them Henry embodied the essence of a Bearman.
Henry felt a surge of emotion as he stepped forward to embrace his grandfather. "Thank you, Grandfather.”
The patriarch nodded, “I am proud of you. But, now that you are direct descendent, we should speak once more of your new duties at the estate.”
With that, Henry saluted and returned to his place in line, standing among his clan, the weight of this achievement sliding from his shoulders. Taking a deep breath, Henry felt lighter, happier, knowing the return trip home was now guaranteed.
Koda stepped forward once more, her voice carrying over the noise. “Let this be a reminder of our strength, unity, and resilience. With our victory, we prove our strength, unity, and resilience to all beastkin. This triumph is not just a testament to our might on the battlefield but to our ability to stand together as one, facing any adversary that comes our way.
As queen, I vow to embody these qualities as we rebuild our kingdom and create a future worthy of the sacrifices made for our freedom. I promise to lead with the wisdom and courage that defined my father, King Baloo. We will honor his legacy by ensuring that our children and their children will know the peace and prosperity that comes from our shared determination and solidarity.
In the coming days, we will face many challenges as we rebuild our homes, fortify our defenses, and heal from the wounds of war. But let us remember that we do this not only for ourselves but for the generations that follow. Our unity is our greatest strength, and with it, we can overcome any obstacle. Together, we will write a new chapter in the history of the Ursa Kingdom, one filled with hope, progress, and unwavering spirit.
Today, we stand as a beacon of hope for all beastkin, showing that no matter how dire the circumstances, we can rise above them with courage and unity. Let this victory be a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together. We will not be defined by the trials we faced but by how we overcame them, standing resilient and united.
Our fallen heroes have paved the way for this moment with their blood and their bravery. We owe it to them to build a future that honors their sacrifice. Let us take their spirit with us as we move forward, always striving to be worthy of their legacy. Our kingdom is strong because of each one of you, and together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.
As your queen, I will strive every day to live up to the ideals that we hold dear: strength, unity, and resilience. We will rebuild our kingdom from the ashes, and it will be more glorious than ever. Let us go forward with our heads held high and our hearts filled with hope. For the Ursa Kingdom, for our ancestors, and for the future that lies ahead.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, the prince addressed the audience one last time. The hall resounded with cheers and applause, the Bearkin united in their determination and hope.