World of Ruin: Act 9 – The Anointed Warriors

The morning air in Egress was thick with tension and the weight of unspoken worries. Jonathan and Johan, clad in simple yet sturdy attire, stood in one of the castle's chambers. Their preparations for an upcoming voyage to distant lands were meticulous, but even the most prepared soldier carried doubts about what awaited beyond their borders.

"What do you think awaits us?" Johan asked, his voice carrying an air of quiet concern.

Jonathan hesitated for a moment before responding, his tone resolute. "I don't know, brother. But we'll be prepared."

He slid his sword into its scabbard, the sharp click of steel against leather breaking the silence. As he adjusted the belt at his waist, a sudden crash of metal behind him caught his attention. Turning, Jonathan saw Johan wrestling with a protective chest plate, the clumsy struggle drawing a rare laugh from him.

"Would you like my help?" Jonathan smirked, stepping toward his brother.

"That would be much appreciated," Johan replied with a sheepish grin.

Together, they secured Johan's chest plate, which, despite its simplicity, was designed for agility and comfort. It covered his chest, knees, and feet, granting him protection without hampering his movements. When the final buckle was fastened, Johan squared his shoulders with newfound confidence.

"Now I feel ready for war," Johan declared, striding toward the door with exaggerated swagger.

"Hey, soldier!" Jonathan called after him, amusement coloring his tone.

Johan stopped and turned, puzzled. "Huh?"

Jonathan grinned as he tossed a sheathed sword toward his younger brother. "Don't forget your weapon."

"Oh, thanks," Johan said, catching the sword and securing it at his side.

Jonathan scoffed as he began to walk past Johan. "What kind of soldier forgets his sword?"

Johan rolled his eyes, trailing behind. "A good one," he muttered, eliciting another chuckle from Jonathan.

As the brothers walked through the grand palace halls, a servant appeared, bowing deeply before them. "Prince Jonathan, Prince Johan, the queen requests your presence in the throne room."

"The throne room?" Johan echoed, confusion flickering across his face. "Why would she ask for us there, in David's throne room?"

Jonathan exchanged a glance with his brother, a shadow of unease creeping into his expression. Together, they made their way through the winding halls until they stood before the massive double doors leading to the throne room.

Jonathan hesitated, rolling his shoulders to ease the unexpected nerves that gripped him. "Damn. For some reason, I feel nervous."

"She's our mother," Johan replied, a confident smile playing on his lips. "There's no need to be nervous."

Before they could say more, a booming voice echoed from within. "Enter."

The guards stationed at the door pushed it open, revealing the throne room in all its glory. Sunlight streamed through the high arched windows, reflecting off the gilded decorations that adorned the walls and columns. Dozens of nobles lined either side of the room, their eyes following the princes as they stepped inside.

At the center of the room stood Queen Nolvia, regal and commanding. Her crown glinted like a halo in the light, her scepter a symbol of authority. Cradled in one arm was the sleeping Jacob, his presence seemingly untouched by the gravity of the moment. The sheer force of her presence silenced all, as though the weight of her station had grown tenfold.

Jonathan and Johan knelt before their queen, their mother, bowing their heads in respect.

Her voice was powerful, carrying across the room as she began to speak. "Today, we are gathered to anoint these two warriors. For today, they carry the will and authority of Egress."

With a steady hand, Queen Nolvia pointed toward her eldest son. "Jonathan," she called.

Jonathan stood and approached, his every step measured. When he knelt once more before her, she addressed him with a tone filled with both pride and solemnity.

"The warrior who fought off the creatures of sin, leading his men with valor and unshakable faith. You are brave, fearless, and God-fearing. For your deeds, I bestow upon you the title of Guardian of the Crown."

She raised her scepter, tapping it lightly to each of his shoulders. The moment was sacred, charged with the silent approval of the gathered nobles.

Jonathan rose, his expression calm but resolute, the weight of his new title resting heavily on his shoulders.

Then the queen called for Johan.

"Johan," she said, her voice filled with equal pride.

He approached, his own steps deliberate. Kneeling before her, he braced himself for the queen's words.

"In desperate times, when our people had no one to turn to, you led them with wisdom and resolve. Your knowledge and courage brought salvation to many. For your deeds, I bestow upon you the title of Beacon of the People."

The scepter touched his shoulders, and Johan rose, his chest swelling with a mix of pride and humility.

The queen's voice rang out once more, strong and resolute. "From this day forward, you shall carry Egress wherever you go."

As she finished, she lifted her gaze to the heavens and began to pray for her sons. The hall fell silent, the queen's voice steady in its reverence. As the prayer reached its crescendo, the room was bathed in a radiant golden light. Jacob, still cradled in her arms, began to glow, his ethereal presence joined by the faint hum of angelic voices.

The divine light seemed to anoint both Jonathan and Johan, their armor gleaming brighter, their spirits lifted. The gathered nobles fell to their knees, humbled by the sacred display.

"You shall be the swords of Egress," Queen Nolvia proclaimed. "As your queen, I wish you luck on your voyage. As your mother, I pray for your safe return."

The ceremony concluded to an eruption of joy. The people of Egress celebrated their anointed warriors as Jonathan and Johan departed in a grand carriage, surrounded by loyal guards. Flowers showered them from above as citizens cheered, their hope reignited by the strength and courage of their princes.

For Egress, this was a new dawn.