Chapter 11: Declaration 

Sydon fell on his steps, the pilot killed the engine and just stared as the new ruler walk down with impertinence. Sydon did not bother to thank him, and the pilot was used to it. 

The trumpeting footsteps of Sydon warned his coming. All the other workers and associates quickly returned to their working stations. The Dragon's affair did not end fairly, and they can see it in his eyes. 

Caesar from afar saw his master, with knees bending down he waited for Sydon to pass by. Everyone did the same thing. They worked in unison, most showed respect only because of fear.

The warlord assumed that Sydon will pass through him, but he stopped. Caesar looked up to attend his agenda.

"Gather all the Hemians," Sydon coldly ordered. No further commands or details were given, it was a vague pursuit, but Caesar wasn't in the place to ask. 

Before Caesar could even answer, Sydon moved forward.

He went on to his office, the same picture of trembling citizens before him lined up. Everything looked like a paradise in his eyes, only in his eyes. Hemians remained as slaves, whether they object or not, they're nothing but captives to a powerful Pharaoh. 

The door sensed his return, it opened automatically. No one dared to walk inside with him, his henchmen and guards remained standing by the doorframe. The Prime's treatment was a lot different than this, he showed value, something that Sydon couldn't do.

Cold breeze intoxicated Sydon's lungs. The air conditioner was extremely set. The glass window gave him a wide view of the whole city. He walked closer towards it. 

A huge dome being built was the first thing he saw. Wide grins and devish stares apprehended. Everything was going according to his plans. The Prime was too weak to manacle his progress, that is what he thought of. 

The warlord joined him after a few minutes of marching, from the doorframe, Caesar spoke. 

"Sir, the Hemians are readily awaiting your coming." 

An official warlord attire complimented highly on his terrorizing look. Sydon remained unmove from his spot. He just raised a hand, signaling Caesar that his job was over. The warlord walked away to follow Sydon's call for peace. 

After he was left alone, a familiar nostalgic voice echoed inside his memory. It was a blurted laugh of evil and cruelty. His drive and pursuit spoke their way. 

"It's time..." Sydon murmured. 

His feet started to leave the room, heading straight towards the exit. Every land of his feet groaned like earthquakes. The employees rushed through to bow down for the second time, their backs were aching from all the degrading. 

Near the main door awaits the buzzing drones ready to enter Sydon's hearing. The city was busy, but everyone turned their heads after Sydon left the premises. An invisible spotlight was pointed towards him. Almost every Hemian trembled in fear. But not for Van, a crowd of citizens filled the front side of the Kezylian tower. Hemians were forced to listen to the Dragon's deceitful speech.

Right on the dais, Sydon gawked forward. Before his eyes were his dream coming to life, a fake smile flashed to enlighten the heavy aura. For a bit, the citizens were eased but not yet calmed. 

"My dear citizens," he spoke. Every ear fell to attentive listening. "For the past few days a misunderstanding occurred." Sydon resumed. 

Crickets howled and his next revelation was very much anticipated. Van from the corner, stared at Sydon with eyes scanning every flaw spotted. This philosopher doesn't like to be fooled. No matter what he will say, Van will no longer believe it. 

The few second pause ended, "I hereby lift the slavery from you. I made the wrong people suffer." The Dragon successfully wore his deceitful skin, the gain for democratic power began. It wasn't just power that he had, but now also support.

In the most possible way, Sydon wanted to defeat and make himself better against the Prime. 

Everyone's jaw dropped dead, it was beyond what they expected. The silence remained, but an old man broke into tears. He was nearly dying from all the heavy load, to hear such words was indeed a breath of fresh air. His hands clapped lowly, but everyone's hand joined in unison. The loud noise of acceptance fed Sydon's pride. It exalted him more.

'Hemians are too easy to fool.' The Dragon concluded.

Van pursued to doubt the happenings, his hands remained clenching in anger. 

He declared inside the halls of his mind, 'Sarah died because of you! You liar!' The strong emotion reflected on his face. Upon the thousand of faces in front of Sydon, he caught Van's angry look. 

The fake smile on his face faded. A minute was used for the staring contest. No one's gawk went down, everyone was busy celebrating and it camouflaged the twist of events. 

Finally, the clapping ceased. Warlords and generals stood up to join their master. Behind Sydon lies the second most powerful army in the city. They're one of the reasons for Sydon's trembling picture. 

The drone scanners launched in mid-air, their red lights scanned the area, deactivating their lethal collars. Despite their freedom, many doubted the sudden change of Sydon's decision. But the courage to seek more was out of their reach. After all, who wouldn't want to be free?

Sydon continued with his harangue. "The city's original state will be back. The mistaken slavery will only remain as history." The fooling began.

The crowd cheered even more, they believed what he said. Even if they wanted to object, their curiosities were eaten by relief. But deceitful words did not wash off madness from Van's face. This time, it was Caesar who caught his look.

Things looked suspicious, and as Caesar looked around, he noticed that Van wasn't alone. A number of people accompanied his indirect revolution, the traces were strewn in their faces.

The warlord signaled the others, "Watch that man's action. Report anything suspicious." Guards beside him got the order clearly, they nodded. 

Van saw everything from his place. But he wasn't scared at all. Furious as he was, furious he will be. Something was wrong, and he was just about to find that out.