Chapter 170: Declaration of the Chosen

Eyes bored into Annita. She felt her skin crawling with nerves. The fur on her hackles and tail threatened to bush up, but she fought the reaction. She needed to look in control. Image was half the battle here. The other half were her words. Words that would shape her future. Words that needed to give praise to her Goddess and set the expectation that she was a bringer of change. Someone who would give these people hope of an end to a major existential threat to their lives.

She still held doubts that she could pull this off, but that’s not something they needed to know. She was standing on stage with two High Priests and the entire present royal family, plus Rosalyn, Bren and Lucia. If there was a stage to make things matter on, it was this.

Public speaking was always a bit of a struggle for her. She worked through it when she needed to in school, but preferred to avoid it afterwards. Presentations at work were about the worst she’d gotten into.

Scanning the crowd before her, she took in the people. Everyone was watching her expectantly. Worry twisted the face of a woman holding her Vulhardrin husband’s hand. A Thrundol man had a gaggle of tiny Inlon and Bultrong children on his shoulders so they could get a look. They all looked fascinated by Ann’s appearance, giggling and pointing. They didn’t understand that her looking like this caused discomfort in others. Too innocent. Precious little things. Elderly folk of all races regarded her with reserved and guarded expressions. They’d seen a lot and were waiting to pass judgement.

Ann could hear the questions without their being said.

“Is she a Warped?”

“What is this child doing up there?”

“Why does she look like that?”

“Can the Queen and King come back? I want to see them!”

That last one was probably her insecurity talking.

These thoughts flashed through Ann’s mind in the instant she got to the podium. This was a duty. She needed to see this through to continue on with her life. Gaining these people’s support was vital to continuing her hunt for answers to the Warped. Really, this was the beginning. Once this was done, she was ready to really get to work. The interlude of relaxation with her girlfriends would be over, and they’d be diving into danger. That put a bit of a damper on her mood. She shrugged it off. They’d still be with her through all. Time to forge her path.

Ann sucked in a deep breath.

“Greetings, people of Korvas,” she began. Remembering her lessons with Bren the other day, she focused on her breathing as she spoke. Circulate the breaths, take them in natural pauses, focus on projection. “My name is Annita Kronforst. Friends call me Ann, and I hope that some may become that in time. I want to start by thanking the gracious Queen Orlana and King Kremdol for their kindness and support these past months. In addition, the graciousness of the Temple of Orenous, and Mother Superior Rowena for her understanding and cooperation.”

Rowena gave her another deep bow, hopeless pet that she was. Ann tucked that thought away for later. Maybe Kat’s earlier comment was sticking in her head a bit too much.

“That is nothing to say of my loves, Katlyn and Rosalyn, without whom I wouldn’t be here. I also thank Bren for providing a rock to build my standing on, and Lucia for her watchful eyes.”

Murmurs of confusion spread through the crowd. She’d expected this. Set up questions, then answer them. They’d be wondering who she was, how she had fallen in with such a prestigious group with the princess and a well-known house.

“Now, to fully introduce myself.” Ann paused. An intrusive thought told her to reveal the full truth, but they just weren’t ready for that. It was a bit much even for Bren, who was fascinated by the fact. “I was born in the far northern reaches. A small conclave of Lupine lived up there in solitude. It was a small, tight-knit community, but it was home. I, however, had a bit of a wanderer’s soul. As soon as I could, I struck out on my own, headed south. No doubt my parents are worried, but that was my decision. I travelled through snowstorms and clear frozen days. It was hard and lonely, but something kept pulling me on. A tug in my soul that I wouldn’t recognise until fairly recently.” She’d teased them enough on this part. “During my travels, I came to know the touch as that of Orenous. I couldn’t speak to Her yet, but I could feel Her presence and guidance. I was just shy of my coming of age. When that day came, I knew for certain what I was, and who I was meant to be.

“You see, I was born near a Seed. Unfortunate timing on my parent’s part, but after I was checked by the physician, they determined I was safe. No known mutations, no known issues besides having three traits of a wolf. When I unlocked my class and my status, I found my race to be determined as Warped Lupine.” Really, it was Lupine (Warped). She and Bren had argued over how to present this when speaking, and this felt the most natural.

The crowd stirred, waves of fear and confusion crossing the faces before her. In Krisnaal’s box, Ann saw Biagio’s eyes flare as he stared at her. She’d have to double apologise to the poor man.

“Along with this revelation were my choices for my Path. I had four. One more suited for combat using my natural talents, one I’d rather not speak of, and two from Orenous. This is the first time She directly interacted with me. A note was on one of my choices, directing me to the specific one She had in mind. I chose Warrior of Orenous.”

Murmurs in the crowd. Bren had explained that this wasn’t enough to seal the import of who she was. Paladins had similar Paths, and that could be confused.

“In addition,” Ann continued. “I was gifted a title.”

That got their attention. A title being bestowed the same day someone unlocked their Path was nearly unheard of.

“The title is Chosen of Orenous.”

An explosion of voices hit her ears, and she weathered the storm. Bren and Kat had both prepared her for this a long time ago with their own reactions to the information. Patiently, she waited for the noise to die down. It was only natural for everyone to be shocked and confused. Many of the nobility were speaking with each other, either in hushed words while keeping their eyes on her, or more animatedly. Ann honed in on Arthur. The grizzled man was sitting forward, his fingers laced in front of his mouth with his elbows on his knees. His eyes bored into her, looking for any signs of weakness or lies. She wouldn’t give the asshole an inch.

After a couple of minutes, Orlana clapped her hands. The clang quieted the crowd. Ann nodded to the Queen in thanks.

“I understand. Trust me. Even though I didn’t know what it meant at that time, Katlyn and Bren have been more than thorough in filling that knowledge. I was still wandering, and one night I spoke with the Goddess. It was a dream, mind, but we spoke face to face.”

More murmurs of confusion. Ann could feel the crowd questioning her.

“In this dream She told me many things, but the first was that my birth, my body, my soul are unique. Neither of us knows why, but my body adapted to the Warp in a way no other has before. She has, and I can’t stress this enough, thoroughly examined me for any signs of the malefic, er, bad aspects of the curse, and none have been found. Hells, I’ve had Rowena triple check that. I am of my own mind, but it left my body changed. I can do things normal people cannot. This hair and fur colour? These eyes? They are not my own. I can change as I wish. Allow me to demonstrate.”

Ann stepped around the podium and turned her back to the crowd. She willed a lock of her hair to return to the grey that it normally was. The hair fell, and new strands grew in. She heard gasps as she did it. Turning, she saw fear and horror in many people’s eyes.

“It is completely within my control. Orenous has made sure that blessings and barriers are in place within me should the corruption even have a hint of progressing. I show you all this now as a sign of good faith, because there was more I was asked to do.

“First and foremost, with this connection to the power causing Warping, I have been tasked with investigating its origins. Since the Seeds are the largest blind spots for the Gods, that is my primary focus. In time, it is our fervent hope that we can find a way to halt this plague.”

The crowd exploded in shouts and confusion. Ann tried to filter through some of it, but most was lost. There were cries of denial. False prophet. Deceiver. Charlatan. Calls for her to be arrested and the like. Natural. Expected. Even with the Queen and King standing right there, this fear ran deep in the people. It was with them every day. Those who lived outside the cities feared it most of all. To be offered an end was a massive change, and people generally did not like change.

Ann raised her hands, and the crowd eventually quieted. “If you wish to verify my claims, Rowena has arranged such services with the priesthood. I cannot speak with everyone. I am only one woman. For that, I apologise.

“Now, for the second part of my discussion with Orenous, She asked me to be Her representative on this world. To spread Her teachings and Her compassion. I have hidden this aspect of myself from many. I was not ready to become this figurehead. To be completely honest with you,” Ann dropped her proper way of speaking for a moment, “I’m still a bit worried about it. I’m barely into my twenties, and this is a lot. I will, however, do my absolute best to hear you and provide as much guidance from Orenous as I can.”

This time, there was a mixed response. Some excitement, but other whispers calling her a heretic, blasphemer, all that nonsense. Religion could be a pain in the ass.

“Now, with these two missions, comes a point of order. There are times when I wish to be left to myself, and others when I am open to being approached. Should you see me as I am now, with the purple hair specifically, please approach and speak with me. If my hair and fur is its normal grey, please respect my privacy. I understand this is not a perfect system, and things may happen. All I ask is that you try.”

Ann tried to gauge the crowd’s reaction to the request, but couldn’t this time. A few nods, but it was a pretty neutral response overall.

“I will be relying on you as well,” Annita continued. “I am a single woman. Even with my party, we can only be in one place at a time. Please keep heart and continue to live to the best of your ability. Do your best and try to find love and compassion in each other. It is only together that we find the end of this road a better place than it started.

“One last thing I wish to address. I left this part for last, since it might be the most alarming. My party, my girlfriends. There is an effect from being bound to me. This is not a worry to anyone else, and Orenous has confirmed this. You may see changes in them as well. Kat, if you could please?”

Kat stood and strode forward to stand next to Ann. Her mother gave the princess a firm nod. “I have had some minor physical changes as well,” Kat said, clearly over the crowd. “We have confirmed wit’ the priesthood that it is just me fer now due tae me closeness wit’ Annita. The rest o’ her close companions, those who spend every day wit’ ‘er, are likely tae start showing some changes as well. Fer me, they’re these.” With that, Kat turned her back and lifted her braids. The patch of scales on her neck had grown significantly over the past few weeks, and glistened brilliantly in the light.

The crowd gasped and pointed. More fear. More questions. Questions they likely wouldn’t get. It was unfortunate, but Ann didn’t have time to explain all the intricacies. Hells, they were keeping that Illdall was involved with Kat a secret because two people having such a monumental reveal at once seemed like overkill.

Kat lowered her hair. “Fer now, it’s just scales. It might be more later, an’ is spreadin’. I am in no pain, an’ I’m in me right mind. Seriously. I wouldn’t be on this blasted stage makin’ speeches if I weren’t. Ye all know how much I hate this kinda shi… stuff,” Kat censored herself for the children in the crowd.

A rueful laugh spread through the people. Kat was well known, and Bren had suggested she have her reveal here to lighten the mood a little. She could be indignant and her normal self that everyone expected to show that it really wasn’t changing her.

Ann gave Kat a peck on the cheek, which also drew some gasps and laughter. “Thanks.”

“Aw, don’t ye be all sweet on me,” Kat grumbled, giving her a side hug. “Not in public.”

Ann giggled and felt the tension in the audience lessen as she did.

“That brings me to the end of the earth shattering, Gods involving announcements for today,” Ann concluded. “I know this is a lot to take in. It took me a while to adjust to it as well. I’m still adjusting. But that’s the thing. We have to tackle the difficult patches in life head on. We might change with the experience, but we’ll still be us in the end. That’s what I’m here for. To fight and find a way to make sure all of us are safe for the future. So thank you, people of Korvas. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for coming. Please enjoy the rest of the Everfrost Festival. I will be visiting the Orenous Temple soon. Details will be posted, and I will be available to speak with. Have a wonderful day.”

The crowd murmured in mixed reaction. Ann wasn’t quite sure if she’d landed it, but as those still seated on the stage rose, she glanced back and saw a proud look on Bren’s face. She’d nailed it if that was his reaction. She sighed and turned back to the crowd.

Together, they lined up. Ann at the centre, with Kat and Rosalyn to either side. Bren and Lucia were to their left, and the rest of the royal family to their right. Together, they waved to the crowd as cheers sang out.

She felt good. She’d pulled off the speech, and could now really get started on what Orenous had tasked her to do. Powerful allies were there to help. The people would come around. It would just take some time and a lot of action.

Ann felt a wide grin split her face as she waved. This was good.

A green line lit the area like a laser show.

A crackling burst that deafened Ann.

The world stopped for a split second.

Ann’s brain raced as she tried to figure out what was happening.

Faces in the crowd twisted in fear.

Something hit her from her right.

A second green beam lanced over her.

Then there was screaming.