A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

About a week before Runa's expected recovery, a massive crowd had gathered on the training field where Erik and Astrid enjoyed the first part of their date. Most of the city had emptied out into this multiple-football-field-spanning training area, filling it with hundreds of thousands of people.

Makeshift stands had been put up in an enormous circle, creating a large arena in the middle. At the edges of the space, several sigils pulsed with a soft light—put there by the people Elora had spent the last month or two training in sigil craft.

Of course, she'd personally checked viability, because leaving any chances on a day like this would be dangerous.

In the middle of this arena stood a single, male werepanther with a pressure and presence that forced everyone to pay attention. Gazes of awe and respect filled this king's subjects as they looked at him. The stands echoed with whispering, talking, and general excitement.

Yet, his response to their adoration was measured. He stood there solemnly, his one good arm resting on one of the two khopeshes hanging of his belt. His garb was traditionally Egyptian yet distinctly styled for a royal warrior.

Panning his gaze across the crowd, he noticed his daughter, standing in a prominent place among the other second rankers, and with his family. She looked at him with an encouraging smile, but Ankhur found himself sighing. His daughter's escapades with that infuriating man were well known to him.

He'd tried to talk some sense into her, because rumours were already starting to spread that the princess was far from chaste, but she'd ignored him… and he found it hard to blame her for that. It'd been so long since he'd seen her so happy.

Plus, she'd told him about Erik's efforts with the pictures, filling him with begrudging gratitude to this fledgeling emperor who'd tossed Ankhur's life into disarray from the moment he arrived. It's not like he missed seeing his dead wife's pictures any less than Naeku did, he just didn't enjoy feeling so indebted.

Yet, as his gaze panned further and took in the happy expressions of his subjects, he couldn't help but feel even more thankful. Even in these short two months, Elora and Erik's efforts had improved the lives of his people significantly.

Showers and baths were slowly becoming commonplace again, a small economy was starting to thrive, and confidence in their warriors was soaring. Everyone was rapidly growing stronger and for many, their lives were already better than they were, even before the awakening.

Running water had been a rarity among remote villages, and they were thoroughly enjoying the public baths and showers that had already been build. Others, who came to live here after fleeing one of the larger cities, found relief in the return of these luxuries.

Yet, the last eight years had indelibly changed everyone. Ankhur's people had always been martial and social, but they'd only grown more so, and many others had quickly integrated into this life. That part of them would likely never disappear, regardless of how life changed, and Ankhur wouldn't have it any other way.

Naturally, most of these changes were still only implemented in the capital, Enkare Nkai itself, but they would soon sweep through their nation. Assuming the Humanitas Sangh doesn't take over before then.

After he'd made a full, 360-degree turn, he raised his one good arm in the air, and the large crowd rapidly quieted down to a respectful silence. After maintaining this situation for a little longer, Ankhur finally spread his arm wide, and addressed the crowd.

"My people!" he roared charismatically, his enhanced voice easily drifting across the area to reach everyone. "Many changes have come to us over the past two months! Running water has allowed us to once again enjoy showers! Our trade-based economy is evolving! Sigils have made many facets of our lives easier, and our army has never been stronger!"

Slowly, cheers and joyful exclamations began filling the crowd, becoming even louder when Ankhur lowered his arm and asked, calmer and softer, but still easily heard by everyone. "What do you think, brave Maasai? Have our lives improved?"

Thundering agreement resounded from the stands. Shapeshifters, vampires, and vampires alike stood up to voice their enthusiasm, hands or weapons raised in the air.

Seeing their joy, Ankhur sighed, a strange sense of relief filled him. 'What is my pride, in the face of my people's happiness?' he thought wryly, only saddened that he couldn't bring this joy to his people himself.

Meanwhile, Naeku smiled with both pride and joy, without fully understanding why. 'Of course I'm happy for my people, but… why do I feel so proud?' she muttered wryly in her mind. 'Is it actually pride for Erik as,' she gulped a little anxiously, 'as my man?'

Unaware of his daughter's thoughts, which would have surely made him spit blood, Ankhur continued by raising his arm again. "I know you're all aware these changes came from my guests at the palace! The same ones who helped delay those evil spirits in mortal disguise, calling themselves the Humanitas Sangh!"

Instantly, the joyful mood turned into anger towards their enemies, and gratitude, even adoration, towards Erik and his allies as the people gave their roaring responses.

Due to the various activities of his and his wives in the last few months, Erik's name had already spread throughout the city, and most had heard of him.

"Long live the king's guests!"

"Down with the Humanitas Sangh!"

"We stand with Lord Ankhur, and Lord Erik!"

"Glory to our allies!"

"Ero Ero Ngai!"

Ankhur allowed the enthusiasm to build for a little while, until he raised his hand again. Once more, a respectful silence fell rapidly, and Ankhur's brows furrowed sternly.

"But!" he barked authoritatively. "Knowing the honour my people hold in their hearts; I have no doubt you agree with me when I refused to take their generosity as charity!"

Part of the crowd became a little confused now, as none had heard anything about a price to pay. They didn't disagree with their king's words, but they simply hadn't considered it yet. Most of them, however, were still caught up in the enthusiasm and gave Ankhur their full-throated agreement.

Ankhur nodded solemnly, ignoring the few voices of confusion. "I'm glad you all agree. So, when I asked what he wanted in return, he requested a chance! A chance to proof himself worthy of his ambitions, and the ability to provide an era of prosperity for our kingdom!"

Confusion grew among the crowd, but enthusiasm was still high. Curiosity started rearing its head, as people were clamouring to know what their king was talking about.

"And that is what we are doing here, today!" Ankhur continued passionately. "Today, Erik and I will fight, and you will all bear witness! Today, the fate of our kingdom is decided!"

He waved his hand in front of him. "Now, greet our guests!"

Suddenly, a loud crash resounded. Icy white lightning struck; dust flew into the air. A heavy pressure filled the area, and the crowd held their breath in anticipation…