Chapter 20
The Crowning of the Queen
The bright golden sky still hadn’t come up fully as the morning began to break through. Ariyah was sleeping peacefully in the small dusty wooden room that she shared with Sheevar and Orraco. She was exhausted because she had spent most of the night teaching the elderly Grandenites (who were the most difficult to teach) the newest battle training moves. Though it was still so very early, subconsciously Ariyah could hear who she thought was the usual land workers outside. She could hear people talking and gathering as well. She could also hear Elai squawking loudly, but she figured it was just a dream and continued to rest.
Suddenly she heard the creek of her weak wooden door open and gust of cool air came through the room. “Ariyah, wake, chile’. Wake.” She heard Vanka’s accent softly in her ear. She could feel that Sheevar was no longer in bed with her. Sleepily she turned to see a Vanka standing before her, dressed very elegantly. She rubbed her eyes vigorously to get a better view. Vanka looked incredible, dressed in a red pleated gown with gold beads along the neck line, her body filling out every part of the dress. Her dreadlocks were braided into a crown wrapped around her head.
“Wow. Why are you dressed so fancy and so early?” Ariyah asked still groggy.
“You will see. Now get up.” Vanka proudly demanded. Ariyah was still exhausted and cold, moving from the hay bed was not a pleasant option to her. “If you look over in the corner you will see a great present. Put it on and come outside. I’ll be waiting.” Vanka walked out of the room excitedly. Ariyah was confused, but she whipped the sack cloth comforter back and slowly got out of the bed. Feeling a bit sluggish, there was a small fafura on top of her dark wooden dresser. She peeled back the rhine, ate the sweet blue citrus fruit, and became energized.
After a nice long stretch, she noticed a sparkly green decorative box sitting in the corner rocking chair, and opened it. Inside was a beautiful white chiffon gown with silver crystals lining the belt of the dress as well as the neck line. Ariyah wondered why she was given this. She held the gown against her body and looked into a long cracked mirror in the room. She posed in it. She loved it. Sheevar stepped into the room.
“Great, you’re up. Do you like it?” Sheevar asked, looking spectacular herself. She was dressed in the same gown as Vanka except her curly blonde hair was up as usual with the blue roses adorned in her hair.
“Yes, I do. But what is all this for?” Ariyah asked.
“It’s a secret, but I guarantee you’ll love it. Now sit. I’ve come to do your hair.” Ariyah was still confused but she was enjoying the treatment. Outside the small cottage home, more people began to gather. The chatter of the people became loud, but all became quiet when finally the door slowly opened. Sheevar stepped out first and was followed by Ariyah. Ariyah looked incredible. Her body filled out the specially made gown that flowed in the wind. Her thick long black hair was beautifully curled at the top and straight at the bottom. Seeing all the people standing there so early in the morning shocked her. But she was met with smiles and looks of adoration. Ariyah turned to Sheevar, who was giggling, with a puzzled look.
“What’s this?” Ariyah whispered. Sheevar just had a look of secrecy. One of the older gentlemen walked an adult zebraling with black sheer wings to Ariyah. She looked around still confused and looked to their faces for answers. She saw nothing but smiles and more smiles. Two more men walked to Ariyah, grabbed her by the hand and led her to the zebraling. The shine of the crystal sandals upon her feet sparkled brightly as she sat on top of the animal. The people gasped at her beauty as they separated and made a path for her. The men began to lead the way onto the main brick lined roads. As they rode through the streets of Ash City, every part was filled with well-dressed Grandenites all watching. All had smiles, even tears as they watched her ride past. She wrapped her medallion around her wrist like a bracelet and gripped it tightly as she nervously watched the people gawking at her.
The gold sky had fully risen by now. She couldn’t understand what was happening. She could see that Sheevar was also on a zebraling that was going faster than hers and headed towards Mount Egdemoore. The shops that were usually closed at this time were now open as they all came to see this beautiful young woman being courted to the mountains. Ariyah thought she was going to Empire to either host another Warrior’s Ball or teach more. But when the men led the zebraling past the Empire and went straight to Ribbon Rock, she became confused again. Elai was soaring high in the sky above, while everyone followed her trails.
Ariyah hadn’t really been on Ribbon Rock since she was eight. She knew that the Grandenites were doing renovations for years on the palace.
“Oh that’s it. Today is the unveiling of the new palace. That’s why everyone is dressed up.” She thought to herself. When they got on to the top of Ribbon Rock they were greeted by tall zitheranium metal gates, which read The Crystaria Palace of Grandelyn. Two round masculine guards dressed in black and white came out and opened the gates, allowing the men and Ariyah to ride through. A water walkway shimmering with fresh amethyst water led up to the palace doors which were made of pearl white and marble. Vanka, Sheevar, Orraco, Rashad, Miss Emberly, and Mr. Crowesh as well as the doctors, were all standing at the entrance of the palace all dressed in red. Orraco’s heart began to beat quickly as he watched Ariyah sitting on the zebraling from a distance. His palms became sweaty as he straightened his red and black uniform. He couldn’t stop smiling.
Orraco and Rashad, dressed in red and black uniforms, came to Ariyah and helped her down from the zebraling. Both walked her to the palace entrance. Ariyah couldn’t believe her eyes as this once home of black tar and ash was now a vibrant fortress of beauty. They led her inside; what she saw left her speechless.
The palace was huge. It was filled with gold framed paintings of Grandelyn and all of its inhabitants. The floors were clean and white. They led her to the throne room where the turquoise (Ariyah’s favorite color) curtains and carpet led to the pearl throne with turquoise velvet throne backing. The once broken and shattered oval windows were repaired and bright. She was led to the big balcony, which was decorated with red roses, overlooking all of Grandelyn. She could see that all of the citizens had made it to the top of Ribbon Rock and were crowded out in front of the palace. Ariyah, still clueless, was shaking as Vanka walked on to the balcony in front of her.
“What’s going on?” Ariyah nervously whispered.
“Ariyah, as you know we’ve all come from such a long and tortured journey. And because of your mother, we were able to get stronger, fight back, survive, and become extremely independent people.” Ariyah could see Elai soaring the bright golden sky in circles as the crowds of people below continued to gather. “Without Crystaline we would all still be in bondage.” Vanka passionately squeezed Ariyah’s hands in hers.
“Before she died, I promised to take you under my wings. And as I’ve watched you grow over these past 14 years, I see that all of Crystaline’s qualities are in you. You are smart, beautiful, courageous, and a leader. You are a warrior. I don’t know any woman that can do what you do, young or old.” Tears began to well in Vanka’s eyes. Ariyah looked to Sheevar, who was cradled in Orraco’s arms and tearing up as well. Dr. O’Cray walked up to both of them, holding a black velvet pouch.
“If your mother had survived, we would have crowned her queen of this land. But you are the closest thing to her in both skill and leadership. Now we, all of Grandelyn, have decided to crown you our Queen. Do you accept?” Vanka got down on her knees and bowed. The tears rushed through Ariyah’s eyes as she placed her hand over her mouth in shock. She was such a humble young lady that she tried to lift Vanka to her feet, but Vanka refused. Ariyah looked to everyone surrounding her and they all had a look of hope in their faces that she’d accept the proposal.
“Yes. Yes, I do accept!” Ariyah cried out loud. Dr. O’Cray opened the black pouch and poured out five clear rhinestones and adhesive into hi
s hand. He removed her curly updo and instead of the traditional crown used in the lands of others, the five rhinestones were adhered to the middle part of her hair-line. This was a sign of leadership and royalty. After the placement of the rhinestones, Mr. Crowesh went to the balcony and shouted, “It is finished! We now have our Queen!” All of Grandelyn cheered and simultaneously bowed to their knees. Even Orraco and Sheevar were bowing.
This was such a heavy burden to take on but she was proud and ready for the task. Ariyah looked over at the massive crowd. All ex-slaves, they were now entrepreneurs…self sufficient…warriors…and it was because of the great things her mother instilled in her. She reached her arms in the air. “To the people of Grandelyn, I am honored that you have chosen me to be your Queen. Though we have become a great nation of people I will work hard to make us even greater. I will make you proud.” Once again the crowd roared in approval.
From a distance, near the Idle Forest, Ariyah could see the Ig, whom was watching diligently and proudly. She waved to him and he nodded. Elai flew and perched himself on her right shoulder. Her medallion was buzzing wildly and that warmed her heart.
“Everyone stand to your feet!” Ariyah cheerfully commanded. Suddenly she ran out of the palace down to the bright silver zitheranium gates where the people were on the other side next to the main guards. The people cheered. “All hail, Ariyah! Queen of the Grandenites!” She was so humble that she tried to stop them from saying that. She looked at the tall barricading gates of steel and felt guilty.
“We have to get rid of the gates.” Ariyah said.
“Your majesty?” One of the guards asked confused knowing how much work it took to build.
“Gates are to keep those away who are unwanted. If you all are truly my people you all are welcomed here and I’ll never use a gate to keep you away.” They all cheered, validating her decision.
Although only 21 years of age, Ariyah was very mature. She fulfilled every promise she made to the Grandenites. As the passing years continued to bring unique problems, she was always ready. She grew to become a very popular righteous Queen.
Grandelyn Page 21