He escaped and you all assumed that he was the Destroyer in disguise.

But now he has returned and of his own free will he chooses to attempt the accomplishment of the seven great deeds.

And the first of these is the killing of the great green dragon.' The people, who were a mixed crowd of all nations, cheered loudly.
'So now,' said Mr.Noah, 'we will make him our knight.' 'Kneel,' said Mr.Noah, 'in token of fealty to the Kingdom of Cities.' Philip knelt.
'You shall now speak after me,' said Mr.Noah solemnly.

'Say what I say,' he whispered, and Philip said it.
This was it.

'I, Philip, claim to be the Deliverer of this great nation, and I pledge myself to carry out the seven great deeds that shall prove my claim to the Deliverership and the throne.