King Cassian drew his silver-hilted sword, gesturing wildly to the captains of the guard standing atop the battlements.
King Cassian: Archers, assemble on the upper ring! Target the boy and shoot on my mark!
Ethan: Wait! You can't just execute the rightful heir in front of all these people!
King Cassian: History is written by the victors. Once you are gone, no one will question my legitimacy ever again!
Elder Advisor: Your Majesty, stop! You cannot spill the holy blood of the High King! The people will riot!
King Cassian: Silence, old man! I took this kingdom by force, and I will defend it by force!
An elderly advisor wearing white silk robes rushed to the edge of the balcony, looking down at Ethan with tears in his eyes.
Elder Advisor: Young man! Show them the back of the medallion! Read the inscription aloud!
Ethan: I can't read this language! It looks like ancient symbols!
Elder Advisor: Hold it high toward the sun! The light will reveal the true seal of the realm!
Ethan lifted the glowing pendant above his head, letting the bright afternoon sunlight hit the golden surface. As the light passed through the delicate engravings, a brilliant projection of light projected high into the sky, displaying the majestic crest of a golden lion crowned with fire.
Crowd Member 1: Look at the sky! It's the sacred mark of King Marcus!
Crowd Member 2: The true bloodline has returned! The prophecy was real!
King Cassian: Shoot him now! That is an order!
Guard Captain: My King... we cannot shoot the true sovereign. The army swore an oath to the Lion Crest, not to a tyrant!
King Cassian: Insolent fools! If you will not do it, I will execute him myself!
King Cassian stormed down the stone stairs of the balcony, his heavy cape billowing behind him as he marched toward the arena floor with his sword unsheathed.
Ethan: Stay back, Cassian! I don't want to fight you!
King Cassian: You don't have a choice! You are a boy who grew up in the mud while I ruled an empire!
Ethan: My grandfather taught me honor, something you clearly know nothing about!
King Cassian: Honor means nothing when you are dead under the sand!
King Cassian swung his heavy broadsword in a lethal arc, aiming straight for Ethan's chest. But before the blade could strike, the white lion let out a thunderous roar and swiped its massive paw, striking Cassian's sword and sending the steel weapon flying across the sand.
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