Barbaltan finished speaking, got up and left the throne.
Only then did Fang Hong notice how tall the aged King was when he stood up, even taller than ordinary Istania people. As the King of Sand rose, the murmurs in the hall suddenly quieted down, but the people continued to whisper and cast curious and surprised gazes towards the two young men in the center of the hall—Fang Hong and Aleph.
After Barbaltan left the throne, two attendants immediately hurried forward to attentively drape his robe and fasten his cloak, also tidying the fur on the cloak. Barbaltan was calmly surveying the hall with a steady gaze, and after a moment, he spoke loudly: "Begin the ceremony—"
He descended the steps, and the courtiers on either side quickly stepped out of line, following this ruler in order.
