Many doors lined the hall, all closed. Quiet dominated the room, save for the footsteps of the men. The hall ended at a plain, wooden door with two armed Shamar standing motionless on either side. Tyrus said nothing to the guards but opened the door and stepped through. After seeing no one but his own party the last few hours Joseph felt taken aback by the sight of dozens of gray-cloaked men, all standing in a large, bright room. Looking up, Joseph recognized the round throne room of the King: the weaponry on the walls, the wrought iron and glass ceiling and the huge windows... all were pleasantly familiar. In spite of his uncertainty, Joseph found himself wanting to see the noble King again.
“Joseph Asher,” came a voice, carrying over the heads of the men. “Come forward.” Tyrus stepped back and nodded for Joseph to walk ahead of him.
Threading his way through the men Joseph found himself standing in a void of people ten feet from the throne. The King sat still, looking much the same as Joseph remembered. On either side of the throne stood two figures that gave Joseph heart: Dunner--looking incomplete without his pipe--and the solemn Hezekiah.
A herald stood nearby with an open scroll. He cleared his throat a few times before speaking.
“Joseph Asher...” he began, in a clear voice. “By the authority of the King, his servants the Shamar, and in view of all these witnesses, you are hereby commended for your loyal service to the King.” Expecting to hear words of condemnation, Joseph stood listening in unbelief. Glancing up at the King, Joseph found encouragement in the monarch’s eyes. “Well done, good and fathful servant,” the herald finished.
Standing, the King looked out over his men.
“My commendation stands fixed upon the man you see here,” he stated, his voice echoing overhead. “Joseph Asher has withstood opposition at two battles, shown patience in learning, and his honor precedes him. He was wrongfully discharged from the military, accused of a crime he was innocent of, and yet he did not run nor did he strike out in revenge.” The King paused, pointing at a group of ten Shamar off to Joseph’s right. “In front of the marshals of the ten provinces, and their representatives I give you, Joseph, this ring of my authority; it is my seal, showing you to be of the Shamar. By the authority of this throne room and the ten marshals, you will administer justice to the kingdom, defend my people in their rights to peace and safety and are now a keeper of the Holy Book. Step forward, and give me your sword.”
Stepping to the throne Joseph felt overwhelmed by what had been said and could utter not even a sound. He drew out his blade and handed the hilt to the King. Taking the sword from the grave young man, the King held it in hand a moment, looking it over carefully before holding it high above his head.
“This sword is fine craftsmanship; it will be the sword of the Shamar, and Joseph Asher will craft one for all my men, his first work in my service. They all will be engraved thus, ‘the Lord is my witness’.”
Looking down at Joseph the King lowered the sword. “Kneel, Joseph Asher.” Joseph complied, still looking into the King’s face. “By the power of this throne, which God has given me, I knight you and give you title, Lord Asher. And so hereby give you land publicly as befits such servant to the King. As your name is mentioned in my kingdom your position is equal authority to any general, as a knight of this court.” He touched the sword tip first to one of Joseph’s shoulders, then the other. “As a Shamar, you are bound by secrecy not to speak of my men and the things you have seen here, except to this group of witnesses, and you must only reveal yourself as justice is needed and to be administered.”
“Welcome lad!” Dunner told him, stepping forward. He thumped the young man heartily on the back. Hezekiah stepped closer as well.
“To the Hall of Illumination!” he called out, leading the way. “We will welcome young Joseph to our ranks properly... with song, food and drink.”
An assenting cheer rose from the gathered Shamar as they made their way out of the throne room. Joseph was led--or rather jostled--along the twisting staircases and passageways, until they reached the huge hall that the young man remembered so well; it had lost none of its beauty. New faces sought him out and conversation of the Kingdom affairs spiced the feast of celebration.
~ End of Book One ~
Table of Contents
CoverImage
TRRTK-title-info
TRRTK-copyright
TRRTK-Map
TRRTK-TOC
TRRTK-ONE
TRRTK-TWO
TRRTK-THREE
TRTTK-FOUR
TRRTK-FIVE
TRRTK-SIX
TRTTK-Seven
TRTTK-EIght
TRTTK-nine
TRTTK-ten
TRTTK-eleven
TRTTK-twelve
TRTTK-thirteen
Trttk-other-titles
Table of Contents
CoverImage
TRRTK-title-info
TRRTK-copyright
TRRTK-Map
TRRTK-TOC
TRRTK-ONE
TRRTK-TWO
TRRTK-THREE
TRTTK-FOUR
TRRTK-FIVE
TRRTK-SIX
TRTTK-Seven
TRTTK-EIght
TRTTK-nine
TRTTK-ten
TRTTK-eleven
TRTTK-twelve
TRTTK-thirteen
Trttk-other-titles
The Road To The King (Book 1) Page 18