Richard Day's Legacy

Chapter 008

The residents exchanged nervous glances, the weight of the evening sinking in. After a brief pause, the head of the group spoke again, his voice respectful but filled with quiet concern.

"Mayor, I know I’m not in a position to ask for favors, but seeing as night has fallen and the journey ahead is long, we humbly request that you stay with us for the night and continue your journey tomorrow."

A chorus of agreement followed, with the other residents nodding eagerly. They looked at Richard with hopeful eyes, silently pleading for him to accept their hospitality.

"Yes, please stay the night."

"We would be honored to host you, Mayor."

They urged as Vivienne stood by watching silently with a smile that reached her eyes, but then she felt a slight pang in her heart, her eyebrows drawing together at the thought of the city not being protected by Richard any longer.

She wondered how Dalton City could miss out on such a rare and influential gem.

By mere commands from him, the feared soldiers of Prisms had broken their legs of their own accord, and he didn't have to lift a finger.

Richard, on the other hand, unaware of Vivienne watching him from afar, finally conceded to the people's request.

He had originally planned to visit his mentor’s resting place at Chance Hall, but the journey to the mountains could wait. A rest would serve him well before he continued.

Seeing his decision, the crowd erupted in quiet joy.

 The thought of having the powerful Mayor Richard with them for the night filled them with relief and excitement. 

They had not only been spared today, but they would also have the honor of hosting the man whose name carried such weight.

Early the next morning, Richard stirred up from his resting place.

Today was the day he was going to pay homage to his late mentor, the thought had him with a mix of emotions,

“I'm ready to leave," he nodded to Vivienne.

 After saying his goodbyes, he and Vivienne stepped out, he saw a line up of exotic and luxurious Military vehicles, numbering over fifty with the crest of Prisms on them, he quirked his brow at the scene before him, 

About a hundred men were on their knees with their heads bowed before him, their hands steepled,

“Mayor Richard, it is an honor to stand before you,” one of them said respectfully. “We are disciples of the Prisms, sent by our president to ensure your safety and protection during your stay.”

Richard smirked, his shoulders squared as he subtly shook his head.He could tell what their president was trying to do.

President Anthony had sent his disciples and military police as a calculated peace offering, a gesture to ease and appease Richard's anger and judgment. He couldn't risk Richard's anger or wrath, hence he had sent these men to appeal to him and show his solidarity.

The disciple bowed his head once more, awaiting Richard's commands,

With a curt nod, Richard spoke firmly,

“Let’’s proceed," 

Not waiting for a response, he began walking, the disciple and others immediately snapped to attention, moving quickly and with precision as they opened  the door waiting for him to enter,

Richard took wide steps as he walked in an almost strut-like manner, Vivienne and the disciples had to walk briskly to meet up.

While Vivian hurried, she slowly shook her head in a disbelieving manner, Richard's powerful presence was so conspicuous that it even overshadowed the presence of over a hundred disciples.

As she entered the vehicle with Richard, she subtly looked at him through lowered eyes, her eyes slowly watching him and trying to decipher what kind of man he was;

Yesterday's brutal confrontation with Prism soldiers was still fresh in her mind. They had dared to enter Vancovira and intimidate her people, and Richard had ensured that they went back with broken limbs, a severe punishment that was hard to miss.

One would have expected that President Anthony would have sent a message in retaliation or done something vengeful as a result of the punishment that was meted out to his soldiers, ironically, the president had gone ahead to send his nation’s powerful force to escort and protect Richard.

Soon enough, they arrived at the mountain, and as Richard stepped out of the vehicle, all ten disciples got to their knees again, bowing low as they did. Once again, their leader spoke up,

“We will follow you to the top of the mountain, and wait while you do your business”

“There'll be no need for that" was Richard's curt response,

They nodded in agreement as they waited alongside Vivienne while Richard climbed up alone, heading to Chance's gravesite.

Arriving at the gravesite, Richard cleared it of all rubbles and debris, smiling gently as he did. The wind was blowing gently and ruffling the lone tree that shaded Chance's gravesite. It had even begun snowing. 

Richard sat by the tomb, his eyes going misty as he looked at the headstone, clearing his throat, he began to talk,

“Mentor Chance, it's been a while. I'm here to keep you updated on the events of my life and our plans. As promised, I have succeeded in bringing peace and harmony to Dalton City, bringing down her enemies and growing her economy.”

Sighing deeply, Richard shut his eyes briefly and went on,

"Achieving all of that wasn't easy, I must confess, but now that I have, I deserve a little rest, as I find that I'm tired and tired of politics with the way it's being played.” His voice shook a little, and Richard once again cleared his throat, 

"Although, I do hope that you're resting and resting in peace knowing that your last wish has been honored. Chance I have kept to my words and made your wish come through”

With shaded eyes, Richard rubbed at the headstone, released a deep breath, and turned away.

At his return, Richard's expression was stern as he descended from the mountain after paying his respect to his mentor. 

He turned to address the waiting men, his voice firm and unwavering,

“I’ll be returning to Dalton now, your escort duties have been duly fulfilled.” 

Looking directly at them,  he went on,

“Ensure that this incident doesn't repeat itself, breaching and violations of our border wouldn't be tolerated. You may return to Prisms, and see that you pass across my message to President Anthony”

Vivienne who stood at a corner, watched with slight amusement as the disciples flinched a little, their eyes refusing to meet Richard's, while Richard's gaze remained on them,

His tone and message resolute, he had passed his message, though subtle, it spoke volumes; the previous day's event was possibly forgiven but certainly not forgotten.

Rising to their feet in unison, the disciples saluted Richard and bowed once again before they left. 

Without sparing them another glance, Richard turned to Vivienne and said calmly,

“My mission is done, Ms Duncan. We can return to the prison now”