Three archers positioned on the upper rim pulled their bowstrings taut, steel arrowheads glistening under the scorching midday sun. Down in the sand, Marcus thrashed against his captors with frantic strength, screaming for someone to protect his child, but the terrifying authority of the Governor kept the crowd paralyzed with fear.
Marcus: If you kill him, the whole province will burn!
Governor Cassian: Let it burn, as long as I remain in control! Loose the arrows!
Lady Serena: Guards, arrest Governor Cassian immediately under royal decree!
Guard Captain: My Lady... we take orders only from the Governor!
Governor Cassian: You heard me! Shoot the boy and the lion!
Before the archers could release their strings, the white lion let out a deafening roar that echoed like thunder, leaping forward and placing its massive body directly between Leo and the high walls. The sheer force of the lion's movement created a wind that knocked the lead archer off balance, causing his arrow to fly harmlessly into the sky.
Leo: Stand down, guards of the realm! Look at the pendant!
Guard Captain: That... that really is the Royal Sun Seal. It hasn't been seen since the old king disappeared twelve years ago.
Governor Cassian: It is a forgery! A cheap piece of brass forged by his pathetic blacksmith father!
Marcus: I didn't forge it, Cassian! You know damn well the late king entrusted his infant son and the seal to me when you staged your bloody coup!
Governor Cassian: Seize that blacksmith! Cut his tongue out!
Lady Serena: Touch him and I will have the High Council stripped of your governorship before nightfall!
Leo: No one is cutting anyone's tongue out today, Cassian. Step down from your balcony and face the true heir!
Governor Cassian: You think a lion makes you a king, boy? You are a rat in my pit!
Guard Captain: My Lord... the soldiers are refusing to draw their swords against the lion.
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