The moment Sagiri stepped onto the first stair, the entire square bowed. Tens of thousands of people lowered themselves at once until it seemed as though a wave had swept through the city. The Warriors dropped to one knee as it is customary, and Common citizens lowered their heads.
Sagiri was not used to the gesture, but he did not falter in his steps. So this is how it feels to be feared and respected? No bad.
The only sounds that remained were the hearts racing and the steady rhythm of Sagiri's footsteps. He climbed the staircase slowly, his nclack cloak pilling behind him. Each step felt heavier than the last, though nobody watching could tell. The platform waited above. The high seat waited above.
