As the majestic aura of the coronation ceremony gradually dissipated, a silence heavy with respect settled over the immense palace hall. King Maelor, now transformed and radiating an almost divine power, stood proudly before his people. His gaze, now imbued with unquestionable authority, slowly swept across the assembly.
- Let the heads of the Five Great Families come forward and swear an oath to the new sovereign! declared the cleric solemnly, his voice sounding like a sacred command.
In turn, the heads of the five powerful dragon families slowly stepped forward. The first was Drakkar, Belgaroth's father, head of the Purple Flame family. He immediately knelt before Maelor and declared in a loud, proud voice:
- I, Drakkar of the Purple Flames, swear absolute fealty to King Maelor, so that the glory of dragons may endure forever.
