Chapter Seven: Templar Knight
The days that followed that night caught Artanis completely by surprise. The news of his victory over nine elite Templars and how he saved Bakshan spread like a wild fire. His reputation rose considerably and he became much more popular and known by those in the city. There were many who didn't believe in his strength and challenged him to a duel. However, they too succumbed to Artanis's new powers and even though the ones he beat were the ones who hated him the most, he extended his hand out to each of them. There were many reporters who wished to interview him and he quickly became the center of attention.
Despite hanging around new comrades, he always made sure that Bakshan and Hexvanna were by his sides and that they were never pushed away by his new found fame. Chulakus and his comrades were thrown into prison where they were condemned to live their lives in solitude within an isolated cell until a century had passed.
Finally after so long, Artanis was able to accomplish a dream that he never thought was obtainable. He was able to restore his reputation as a proud Templar and become stronger than he ever was before. His soul felt fulfilled and complete. He had everything that he wanted. He had two close friends that were like his family and he had the power to protect them and himself. The fame meant little to him but it was a bonus that he happily accepted.
However, Artanis was going to get something more, something that he never even dreamed of. Both the leader of their tribe, and the Council of Elders agreed upon with the help of Bakshan, that Artanis was fit to replace Chulakus as a Knight. They came to him personally and told him the news which caused him to almost faint. They told him that his ceremony would take place at the city square in front of the government buildings from the civilian part of the city.
Artanis made sure that he had dressed himself accordingly to what he wanted and to what was recommended to him by Bakshan and Wargan'us himself. He checked himself in front of a mirror and felt slightly nervous. He could hear the thousands of people outside who were waiting for him to step out into the light. He patted his robes down and adjusted his headpiece. He thought about what he was going to say and felt even more nervous. This was the first in a decade where all of the light was on him.
"Praetor Artanis, you are being called onto the balcony. The people grow restless," a secretary notified him.
"Very well, I will be on my way," Artanis replied.
He got up from his seat and began walking to the balcony. He slid open the curtains and walked onto the six floor balcony where Bakshan and Wargan'us stood. He heard the crowd cheering for him when they saw him step out. He felt flustered and blushed as they chanted his name. He walked over to a spot next to Bakshan and waved his hand to everyone in the crowd. He was amazed at how many of his brethren were there, around at least ten thousand or more. As Wargan'us spoke, Artanis tried to look for Hexvanna but couldn't find her.
"Over there on the edge," Bakshan said while nudging him.
Artanis looked to the right side and saw Hexvanna waving her arms out to him. He waved back and felt happy to see her there.
"Artanis, please step over here if you do not mind," Wargan'us said.
Artanis did as was told. Wargan'us took out a crystal that resembled the head of Tassadar. There were no specific details but just the shape of it made him know that it was supposed to be Tassadar's. Wargan'us placed it in Artanis's hands.
"Please Artanis, tell us what you are feeling right now. Your rank as a Praetor has been given back to you and you are also one of our tribe's greatest Templar Knight. What say you mighty Templar?" Wargan'us asked.
Artanis was handed a device that amplified his voice several folds. It was a microphone that took the shape of a sphere.
"In all honesty, I am not sure of what to say exactly. This was all so sudden. It was only two months ago where I was nothing more than a below average High Templar. Now, I am a Dark Knight. I never thought that this was possible. When I served under the great and mighty Tassadar, he taught me many things. I never knew what he truly meant but now I do. His words became clear to me because of Bakshan. She helped push me to change myself and it was by her words that helped me realise the meaning of my master's words. She was the one who helped me get back off of my feet when I was down. Her kindness and her personality gave me hope and shined like the stars. She is one of the reasons why I stand here right now. Then there is Hexvanna. She was the one who turned me into who I am. She was the one who transformed me from a weak Templar to the one who stands before you. She helped support me and it was by her actions that allowed me to succeed. I owe both of them a debt of gratitude that knows no bounds. Without them I would have fallen a long time ago. As a Templar Knight, I will try my best and I will do whatever it takes to protect you all. Even if the Khalai Alliance sends its most horrifying war machines, I will make sure that they never touch you. I promise that none of the young ones will see destruction or death. For the sake of the future that Tassadar had hoped for, I will make sure that it is seen to fruition! En Taro Tassadar!"
The crowd began to cheer like crazy. They clapped, chanted his name and shouted out many encouraging things. All those who watched the broadcast across the entire Daelaam Alliance also cheered. There was something about Artanis that felt right. It seemed that Tassadar's will did live on inside of Artanis.
