NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23: The Protector of Dayita Realm
In the grand hall of the Dayita palace, banners adorned with the kingdom's crest fluttered gently in the breeze, sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting a golden light that illuminated the assembled soldiers and courtiers. The walls, built from the finest stone quarried from the kingdom's own mountains, bore carvings of legendary battles and mythical creatures.
The air was filled with the scent of sandalwood and fresh flowers mingling with the murmur of conversation as courtiers seated in semi-circular concentric rows of seating opening up to the dais that housed the throne, exchanging news and pleasantries. Servants, discreet yet attentive, moved through the crowd, offering refreshments and ensuring the comfort of the guests. The court of Dayita was in full attendance that day. Not only did the crown prince defeat the Kapala army, the General had returned after successfully annexing five smaller kingdoms into Dayita. Ample cause for celebration.
At one end of the courtroom, away from the center of attention, stood Svetavastra, the blindfolded cultivator, leaning onto the wall, hands crossed.
“I have never seen a court in attendance before,” remarked the preta in the bracer, it made its make-believe eyes huge to soak in the details of the lavish procession happening in front of its eyes.
Svetavastra was meditating with his eyes closed at this time not paying attention to his surroundings.
“Dayita is blessed with a competent crown prince, a competent general and a competent army,” addressed the king to his court. On his right side was the prime minister standing in attendance, on his left was the crown prince, Aryaman. Behind them were the royal guards.
“Duty well performed must always be recognised and rewarded,” continued the king. “My loyal soldiers, for safeguarding the kingdom from the bandit army of Kapalas, and for expanding the boundaries of Dayita, for your bravery, for your sacrifice, you have the eternal gratitude of your king and kingdom."
One by one, the soldiers were called forward. With a solemn grace, the king bestowed upon each a medallion, its design intricate and imbued with the kingdom's sigil—a token of their valour and a symbol of their place in Dayita's history.
As the last soldier received his honour, a hushed anticipation settled over the hall.
“For expanding the boundaries of Dayita through blood, sweat and tears,” said the king, “I bestow the taxes of the newly acquired regions to General Pushya as well as the fort in Nauhara.”
General Pushya bowed before the king and stood on his knee as the king added another military insignia to his crowded shoulder.
The king's gaze turned to Prince Aryaman, who came forward and bowed before him.
“Prince Aryaman," the king addressed, “You stepped up to protect Arang when it needed you the most, against the barbaric Kapala army.” He took the ceremonial sword from the priest.
“Before the gods,” he said as he showed the sword to the statues of the gods behind him. “Before our ancestors,” he said as he showed it to the walls that had Dayita warriors and legends carved. “Before the people of Dayita,” he said as he showed it to the court. “I bestow you the title, Protector of the Dayita Realm!”
The sword's blade touched Aryaman's shoulders as the king made this declaration.
“I vow to uphold this title with honour, to defend our realm, and to stand as its protector, in peace and in peril," Aryaman pledged, his voice steady and resolute and bowed deeply to the king.
The hall erupted in applause. “Long live, Protector of the Dayita Realm!” The court echoed. “Long live, Protector of the Dayita Realm!”
The king raised his hand to silence the crowd.
“Let’s us now focus on still troubling matters,” the king said. “The undead infestation is on the rise. Reports from all over the kingdom, neighbouring kingdoms as well as first-hand report from the prince itself highlights this issue. While we have closed our cities, imposed curfews and regulated the trade, this cannot be the way we live - in constant fear and worry.”
Prince Aryaman stood solemn beside the king and the courtiers nodded to themselves in acquiescence.
“Dayita cannot flourish in fear,” said the king. “The undead infestation needs to be eliminated in its entirety if we are to have any semblance of normal life.”
“I have tasked the crown prince to take care of this matter,” the king continued. “Svetavastra, a spiritual cultivator, is anointed as the prince’s official preceptor. They will leave Arang shortly on this mission to get Dayita rid of the undead.”
Murmurs erupted among the crowd as the name of Svetavastra was mentioned.
“He’s the one who saved the merchants from the pretas,” one courtier whispered to another.
“They say he saved the prince in the Northern Mines,” said another.
“He can wield celestial swords,” some other couriered murmured to his neighbour.
“How can we let the crown prince leave with an unknown person?” said General Pushya, he alone seemed unimpressed about the blind cultivator.
At the end of the hall, Svetavastra opened his eyes inside the blindfold, though he could not see what was happening, he could see the auras of the people in the court room. He located General Pushya by the voice and saw his aura to be red.
Interesting, Svetavastra thought to himself.
Aryaman in the meantime was preparing to counter the general when the king stopped him.
“What do you propose, General Pushya?” asked the king.
“I want a one-on-one duel with Svetavastra,” said General Pushya. “I want to see how well he can train and protect the prince.”
“But— “ the prince was motioned into silence by the king again.
“Svetavastra, please come forward,” said the king.
The blind cultivator moved towards the center of the crowd in an unhurried way and stood in front of the king and beside General Pushya. General Pushya looked at the cultivator to assess him.
A bling and young man, General Pushya thought. Is this a joke?
“Your Highness,” said Svetavastra.
The court whispered among itself. Svetavastra had become somewhat of a legend by this point.
“Do you accept this duel with General Pushya?” asked the king looking at Svetavastra.
Svetavastra smiled.
“Yes, Your Highness,” he said.