When the noise settled down, he continued, “While this area of Herridon will be filled with uncertainty, I am pleased to say that one thing I do know is that we at least know how we’re going to handle the void created as a result of Rez’s retirement as Magi Warden.” The Grand raised his voice and spoke slowly, “Ardius is that solution!” He looked back towards Ardius and then turned back to the mages saying “Let’s hear it for our new Magi Warden!” Cheers rose up upon his command. All of the wizards applauded loudly, including Rez Mostin who rose from his seat, slowed by the pains of age. Some of the soldiers clapped as well. The cheering slowed and then stopped. “Magic will be one of the primary tools to establish our power. Magic is our ace in the hole, and that man will make sure it is played well”. He pointed back to Ardius who wore a serious expression and was suppressing the urge to rub his head.
All eyes were now on him. He gave in and rubbed his bald head as he realized that the mages, soon to be his chess pieces to move, wanted him to acknowledge his praise from The Grand. He stood from his chair. Again men clapped and hooted. Ardius noticed The Grand clapping and cheering along with them, which lead to all of the soldiers joining in once again. He still could not believe this was happening to him. The guy who was once selling herbal leaf, hallucinogen berries and stolen alcohol at the docs to ruffians would soon be the Magi Warden of the Crimson Fox. The Grand approached him with a smile and an out stretched hand. Ardius clasped his hand and three more bursts of energy fizzed in the air above them and exploded into a colorful display followed by louder applause.
The Grand pulled Ardius closer and whispered in his ear to the sound of cheers, “The time is now. The three cities will become our thrones.”
***
The men just wanted to go to their homes. They approached the open gate of Abellard, but relief was not yet felt by anyone. Instead of victorious heroes returning from a successful campaign, were they now attackers? Or were they liberating their own city, giving it to their rightful leader? The commanders told them the latter, and almost all soldiers believed it as well. Victus was king and the councils were to be unseated.
It was surprising that the gates were left open, but perhaps they had no time to close them. Orvious led the men to the city quickly after his discussions with Ronne Bederough. They moved in formation. There was no sign of the city guard when the army entered. Orvious was in the vanguard of the force and kept looking to the tops of the walls. No one. There was no sign of resistance. There were people in the streets. Women, children and some men began to cheer at the site of the soldiers, but all knew rather quickly that the army wasn’t parading its return. Some did not care and continued to shout, perhaps looking for the return of family members. The Abellard commanders kept the army moving.
As they made their way through the streets, Orvious kept the soldiers in formation. An ambush was unlikely, but possible. He figured that they would proceed cautiously from the entrance to the open square that hosted the capital building. As they made their way further in, the sounds of the city grew louder and louder. All were anticipating the return of the army.
“The heroes of Abellard!” An awe-struck teenage boy yelled.
“May the gods bless you.” An older woman hollered down from a window.
“Richard? Where’s my Richard?” Inquired an anxious wife or perhaps mother.
The army kept moving.
Once they reached the main square in the center of the city, Orvious and the soldiers realized where the city guard was. The square was actually a large rectangular shape. In the very center was a fountain that cascaded water down into a wide basin. Surrounding it were small rectangular gardens, enclosed by small fences. The army had entered the square from the north. The council convened in a main government building in the southwest of the square. It was in this building that the council had denied Orvious. Many steps rolled up to the front of the building, which had four large stone columns leading up to a triangular roof.
On the steps were the remaining guards of the city. They covered the entire slope up to the building and looked to total near one hundred and fifty men. Each had his armor on and weapon readied.
“Slow and follow me, men,” said Orvious as he walked his horse along. The army followed close behind. As he reached the center of the square, the slow march of his army overpowered the sound of the water splashing in the fountain’s basin. Orvious held up a fist when they were thirty yards away and screamed, “Hold!”
The army filled the square and pored over into the surrounding streets. People who were in the square vacated in confusion but crowds did form where they could to see what would unfold. Some people were on rooftops looking down at the spectacle.
Orvious walked his horse five feet in front of the rest of the army. An order went up among the city guard and they all raised their shields at once, creating a seemingly impenetrable shield wall that was layered because of the different heights of the steps.
“Men of the city guard. Rejoice, for you now serve a true ruler, a ruler who will in turn serve you. You all know of Victus Antonel. He is now your king.” Orvious held his head high and let the words sink in. There was no movement amongst the city guard. “You all know me and Ronne and Davis and Jerris.” The commander waved a gloved hand back towards the other commanders. “We pledged our fealty to Victus. We, along with the men of Rogsnelk, appointed him. He will unite our cities and make us one power, one force that will prosper.” Another short pause then he raised his voice. “Don’t oppose us brothers, join us, and let us celebrate our new world, our new way and our new kingdom.”
There was now shuffling among the guard and Orvious even thought he heard some whispering, but nothing happened. The commander kept his cool and ordered some men to the left and right of the stairs, but made sure they kept some distance. As the men spread out, the size of the army behind Orvious became apparent, which lead to more shuffling within the ranks of the city guard…but again no one broke.
“There can be no bloodshed among us soldiers of Abellard. I implore you, join us! We were sent to ensure Victus has dominion over Abellard and that is what will happen. You, my brothers, are part of our strength, not part of our problem. Don’t think short sighted to whatever the corrupt council has told you. Their propaganda can only last so long. I will not call out names, but I know many of you and I know you recognize that most of the men who sit in those council chambers are unjust.” He pointed a gloved hand at the building behind the city guard. “Some of you have told me yourselves. It is over now. Victus will do what is right for you, for your families.” Still nothing. Orvious looked over his shoulder to Ronne Bederough, whose face showed he understood what would happen next.
The brawny commander hopped down from his horse. He led the animal back behind the ranks of his men and then returned to the vanguard. With an order he had the soldiers form a slight semi circle around the mouth of the stairs and they raised their shields to form their own shield wall. He gave an order and they took two coordinated steps forward and stopped to settle into formation. The faces of all of the citizens who watched were grave. They knew there would soon be bloodshed in their streets, among their own people.
With another command they moved two more steps closer and settled again, shields up with weapons over them. The city guard tightened their formation with their shields up and mostly spears pointed over the top. Another command had the advancing army two steps closer. They were now fifteen yards away.
“Oh to hell with this, I’m not dying for those crooked fucks.” A surprising yell came out from the side of the city guard. A man stood from his formation and quickly made his way through the front line while removing his helmet. He sheathed his sword and held his shield and open hand up, showing he was no threat. Instantly nearly ten men near him followed his actions. They moved slowly across the space towards the army. More and more of the city guard did likewise and walked down the stairs.
“Welcome them!” Commanded Orvious and the f
ront line of the army near those men sheathed their swords and happily shook hands with the city guards as they reached them. Within two minutes only thirty men remained on the steps. Even if they were the most loyal to the council, they would not remain. They would not oppose Orvious and the army for a hopeless cause regardless of what the council would have paid them. Although perhaps reluctant to do so, the last of the city guard put away their weapons and joined the army. Sounds of cheers and joyous greeting went up among them. The citizens of the city cheered as well, happy to avoid confrontation. They were now one; they now were part of the Kingdom of the South Sea.
A smile crossed Orvious’s rotund face, splitting across his beard. “Great, men. Today is a glorious day. Unto our honor!”
“Unto our honor!” Sounded the army, with all the city guard among them looking around, unaware of the army’s mantra.
Ronne Bederough saw this and said again, “Unto our honor!” and now all, including the city guard, repeated it together.
Orvious looked towards the entrance of the government building and his face went stern. “Now, in memory of Dougard, there is still business to settle,” and he began to ascend the stairs towards the building’s door.
Chapter 32
For over one hundred and fifty years the council of Rogsnelk met inside the same building, a classic dome shaped edifice surrounded by columns and small statues. King Victus Antonel, his top officers, some soldiers, a few priests and select others congregated in the large building. Several days had passed since the council had been removed from power and The King and his army had triumphantly returned to Rogsnelk. Upon entering the city, most of the men were allowed to return to their families and regular lives. While this was a joyous occasion for those returning, the despair would only begin to mount for families who lost their loved ones…and there were many. This was something Victus wanted to focus on. His men did not die for nothing and he would make sure their families knew that. They had died serving their city and he would ensure their families were given support.
Ostinus Deenor stood among six other soldiers in the largest room of the building. He wore no armor, but did carry his sword. He was one of a number of soldiers who was not yet disbanded. The King would need some men to remain as his guard. The councils of the cities had been led by powerful men with powerful connections and it would be foolish to underestimate how hard they would resist giving up their authority. The councilmen had been ousted quickly and with little respect for the positions of power that they held for years. There was no doubt that the King now had enemies lurking about. He needed protection and had to be able to assert his strength if needed.
It was the day of Victus Antonel’s formal appointment as king, the coronation of the first leader of the Kingdom of the South Sea. Ostinus was surprised to be invited to such a grandiose event. The story of how he and thirty-five other men from Lunemire stayed and courageously fought at the battle of Verrigon was spreading around the cities. Bards might one day tell tales of the profound impact Ostinus and the men had on the battle as they used the element of surprise to decimate vile orcish shamans. Their tale was being told as if they struck down the orcish god Zatelboz himself. Victus was sure to give these men credit and acknowledgment for the brave decision they made. More than half of them, including Mikael Whitten, returned to Lunemire where they had families. They could not be sure if Lunemire would consider their decision to remain and fight as a violation of their orders or as a heroic deed; nevertheless they would take their chances in order to be home. Ostinus, however, held no loyalties to Lunemire. He actually loathed the city’s council and, conversely, admired Victus. The decision was easy for him. When The King’s highest officer, Bayloff, had asked Ostinus to act with others as Victus’s temporary guard, he happily consented and considered it an honor. When asked if he would attend the coronation, he humbly accepted.
Since there was never a king or appointed ruler for any of the cities by the South Sea, there was no precedent for a coronation ceremony. Stories of coronations from the Sadic Empire far to the north were continued in lore, but this was not the Sadic Empire. What happened this day might be the traditions of kings and their court for hundreds or thousands of years to come for this new kingdom.
The room was decorated beautifully and the faint fragrance of incense could be detected. Candles were lit throughout the space and floral arrangements also lent their decorative presence. There was a massive door in the room, which was closed. On the other side of the door was a pavilion that overlooked the center of the city where crowds anxiously awaited their king. Throughout the room were banners and flags that bore the new symbol of the Kingdom of the South Sea, as it was to be called. The standard of Abellard was a half solid blue and half blue and red check design while the standard of Rogsnelk was a black eagle’s head silhouette over a white background. Victus, after consulting with his commanders, decided that the best approach for now would be to combine the standards into one. Thus, the flags and banners of the Kingdom of the South Sea were half solid blue and half blue and red check with a black eagle’s head silhouette centered largely in the middle. Banners of both cities hung or flew as well.
Most of The King’s commanders were present, including Ardes, Andres, Dionne Darden and Bayloff of Rogsnelk and Orvious, Ronne Bederough and the Bolke brothers of Abellard. They all wore newly created garments that would serve as the attire of commanders of the Kingdom. Victus’s wife was in the room. She wore an elegant navy blue dress and held baby Eugello whose giggle occasionally could be heard in the chamber. Victus’s parents were there as well. His father insisted on proudly wearing his retired city guard vestments, with a pin he had made that showed the symbol of his the new kingdom, over which his son ruled.
The King had invited former members of the councils of both cities. Certain councilmen were left off the invite list, but only those who it was all but certain were corrupt. He wanted to keep the peace with the other powerful men. It was imperative for him to let them know that they would still be leaders in the city, that they were important. The King and his men discussed how keeping these men close by was prudent at this time. Half of the invited councilmen actually came for the ceremony and each of those men brought gifts for their new king.
Other prominent members of the city attended including the head of the city guard and men high in the ranks of commerce. Also, Hurlon Nacburrow and Beltrin Molder, two leaders of the fifty dwarves that remained with the humans, were present. Priests of the various orders were on the invite list as it was important to The King to honor the gods in the kingdom. Victus had even asserted that the coronation be put off for another week because it was currently a holy week as the cities celebrated the coming of Zentiog, the Day of Life. The king felt the people should be focused on paying respect to the gods, namely Phelios, god of the sun, since he had helped them tremendously with the war and Zentiog was his most sacred holiday. He also was mindful of a warning he had received from a certain priest of Phelios’s order; however The King was eventually convinced otherwise by his officers and advisers. They continuously insisted that the coronation be done at once to formalize his rule of the people and establish his power. The people want a crowned king and they needed to celebrate their leader. The transfer of the balance of power was sensitive.
As a formality, the king and some civil servants, who had served the cities for many years, wrote a short oath. Victus swore it in front of everyone in the room. Hopefully Victus’s successor and all the future kings or queens of the South Sea would read this oath. He wore his glistening chain mail and famed white cape along with a gold sash that would be a garment only worn by the kings or queens of the Kingdom of the South Sea.
It was an amazing a site as any Ostinus had seen before. How could he ever have imagined there would be a coronation of a king in the lands by the South Sea? And, even less likely, that he would attend a private ceremony for it. He was, for now, a private soldier and protector of his ruler. He liked that ide
a. Ostinus observed the faces of the men and women who bore witness to King Victus Antonel taking his oath. He noticed expressions of excitement while others held serious. No one knew what to expect, not Ostinus, not the priests, nor the officers or even King Victus himself.
The King finished reading his oath and signed a few legal documents while those present applauded, cheered and enjoyed sparkling wine. A crown was then placed on Victus’s head and the cheering continued. It was a small thin gold crown. Victus insisted that his crown be basic and not bejeweled in any way. Ostinus watched his king descend the podium. All of the priests present were instructed to gather together by order. There were priests of Phelios, of Tuemis god of the hearth and home, Aya goddess of the air, Unoct god of stone and land, Barella goddess of fire, and Euthero god of water and the seas. Victus lined up in front of the priests and two of his soldiers brought him a chest. The King opened the chest and took out a sack, which bore the new symbol of the Kingdom of the South Sea, and presented it to the nearest group of priests. This first group served Aya. He then took a knee at their feet while holding up the offering, his white cape seeming to glow ever so softly. Soon all present in the room, except the priests also took a knee. One of the priests stepped forward and accepted the offering and handed it back to another of his fellow clerics. Then, he held his hand over the head of the kneeling king and gave him a blessing in the name of Aya. Victus repeated this with each order of priests. Inside the sacks coins could be heard clanking together.
Kingdom Come (Price of Power Book 1) Page 41