The sun was intense yet pleasant that morning. The air shimmered with the heat rising from the pale stones of the great square of Iuhnu and with the unusual freshness carried from the great river and its canals.
"People of Khemet, Nasndernians, and all those who live here in the shadow of Namar-Khep's glory. I, the pharaoh, honored of Ptah, God among you, declare that a new era has been born." Uras'Diptsur smiled, opening his arms. He stood tall, receiving the sun directly upon his body, as befitted his people.
Down below, on the vast esplanade of polished flagstones, the crowd pressed together. Sun-baked fishermen, weavers with children on their hips, potters with hands still stained red clay, scribes, merchants of ivory bracelets, traders—all turned their faces upward, caught between doubt, fear, and hope. The scent of incense, sweat, myrrh oil, and freshly baked bread hung thick in the morning air.
"Some moons ago, I had dreams that were difficult to interpret, and in them I saw the ruin of our homeland. Out of love for my people, I devoted myself to their protection and assured them that all would be well." He looked at a child nearby and smiled. "The Gods did not fail me. You all heard the roar that came from the sky and the destruction of the fall. Yet here we stand, for I defeated the creature! I saved our world!"
He shouted, and the crowd answered with the same fervor, acclaiming him: "Living God!", "Savior!", "Sun of Glory!", "The One!" While many showed relief, others still lingered in doubt, casting uneasy glances at the stranger—Krarvathar.
Uras raised his hand and the people fell silent. Krarvathar watched the crowd with curiosity.
"I know your fear, but there is nothing to dread, for this one here"—he pointed at Krarvathar—"this one you now see came from the heavens and has become one with us. He is one of us, one of you. Do not be alarmed, do not be afraid—only trust."
Krarvathar listened in silence to the pharaoh's proclamation. Uras had not defeated him, and although part of the dragon disliked the claim, he understood the pharaoh's purpose and found it fascinating how much power the man held over his people.
Setarek remained silent, standing on the opposite side near some soldier friends who asked him if it was true. The prince, however, avoided answering.
"Yet there is still an evil present in our world, and trust me: it will be eliminated. I am aware of the troubles that afflict our land, and I will not enjoy a single night of sleep until they are resolved. Go, and spread this message throughout Namar-Khep, throughout all Khemet, and to all the peoples of the south and the farthest east. Tell them that there are Gods in our world—and one of them is me."
The people shouted. The soldiers raised their swords, for they trusted their living God.
But not everyone was celebrating. The prince glanced at Krarvathar and paled when he noticed the dragon smiling. Neftraya observed everything from farther away, in the shadow of a column, with an indecipherable expression. Uras had always been loved by his people, and he would do anything to protect them.
"Now behold," Uras said, looking at Krarvathar while the crowd still clamored. The dragon met the pharaoh's gaze. "They adore you. And the elves are coming to wage a battle that will put all their lives at risk. Because you have their love, you have the duty to protect them. That is the fate of a leader. And I know that everything that has happened to you was meant to help me in this purpose."
The dragon gave no reply, but turned his gaze back to the people. The looks of fear began to dissolve and transformed into cheers and smiles. They no longer saw a dragon, a monster, or a stranger, but someone in whom they could place their faith.