The king’s speech

As you turn to leave, you’re startled by flashing lights from the sickroom. You turn to see motes of light rise from the bed and fade, leaving the bed empty. Nodding, you turn and head down the hall. A guard meets you, bowing and opening the door. “Welcome, King Josh. The people are gathering to hear your speech. The balcony is just ahead. Greetings as well, my ladies. There is room enough for all of you.”

You nod, lost in your thoughts as you approach the balcony. You hear the susurrus of voices, there must be over a thousand people there, maybe more. Steeling yourself, you step out onto the balcony, and the girls follow you. The crowd slowly goes silent. You wait for a moment, then begin to speak.

“King Trevor has died. He has named me his successor. I am Josh, and I am your new king.”

There’s a moment of quiet, and then some cheers. The cheering grows, and you let it build for a while before raising your hand for quiet. As the crowd quiets again, you continue.

“It is a good feeling to be well received, even immediately following a tragedy. I’m sure there are plenty of rumors about me. Some might even be true.”

A ripple of laughter passes through the crowd as you continue.

“As you probably know, I’m not a native. I’m from the new world. It will take time for me to understand your customs and traditions. I would ask for your patience, but unfortunately we have enemies that will not give us that luxury. On my journey to return here I was attacked by demons. King Trevor was poisoned, by demons. It should be obvious, our former allies in the Allied Kingdoms have thrown their lot in with the demon lord.”

An angry rumble issues from the gathered citizens. You raise your hand for quiet. “We have allies of our own, however. Queen Kallista to the south and Queen Sella to the north are pledged to our alliance, as are the dwarves of Itria. I will be gathering forces soon, for we will allow the demonic threat in our lands no longer. I will lead us to war, and I will not stop until the demon lord lies defeated!”

Cheering from the crowd, and chants of ‘Hail King Josh!’ fill the air. You let it continue for a while before calling for quiet.

“You all know my goal by now. Peace, and a place everyone can be safe and happy. If we must fight to achieve that, so be it. I do not spend lives cheaply. But if you oppose our goals, then you oppose all that is good in this world.”

You draw your sword, raising it to the sky as flames spring from the blade. “We fight, not for today or for us, but for peace, for the future, and our children’s future!”

This time, the cheers seem to rock the foundations of the castle. Maya comes up and hugs you, causing even greater cheers, and you lower your sword, satisfied.