The great Cedar Palace, high atop Citadel Hill in As Sedrai, is packed with notables of the Kingdom of Anghara. At one end is a low dais, with steps leading up to a low-backed throne, the royal dragon seal of Anghara on a red and white banner overhead. You four stand before the dais with Anghara's notables, prominent visitors from other Kingdoms and soldiers and citizens.
The hall is magnificent, the walls and beams of red cut cedar from distant Dhazir,with large stained glass windows in the ceiling allowing light to glow through. It's a glorious summer afternoon, perfect for a coronation.
Seliah, the Priestess of Ardis who you rescued from the Temple, lifts the crown of Anghara high over her head. She places it over Henrick's head, intoning, "I crown thee His Grace, King Henrick, First of His Name, King by Arms of Anghara, Lord of Redgard, Protector of Keth and Pelwar, Keeper of As Sedrai, Defender of Highfall and Viridan." Then she lowers the crown on to the new King's brow.
The entire crowd bows low to the new King, eyes averted.
Thragga sees the crowd bow and does the same as best he can, peeking with one eye to see what everyone else is doing.
Lilanne bows in a reserved Selandri fashion and urges the others to do the same.
Rooker follows suit with the crowd and bows low to his newly crowned King.
Aelorn and Gloroth bow, slyly amused at the ritual that seems a mimic of their own.
Lilanne looks disapprovingly at Aelorn and Gloroth.
Henrick bows in return to his subjects and fellow monarchs, then rises. The crowd also straightens.
Henrick's voice rings out: "We hereby dedicate our reign to Ardis the Healer herself. Let our first decree be that the Temple of the Healer be rebuilt here in the Citadel of As Sedrai, and a new fountain dedicated to her goodness. We heal the Kingdom as she healed us."
Seliah, and her sisters of Ardis, bow in gratitude at this. She stands beside the throne to Henrick's right.
Then Henrick turns and seats himself in the throne at the end of the dais. "Let our second decree be that those who fought against us in the recent war be forgiven, subject each to their oath of fealty to us. No bitterness will be held against them, for they will be considered our Angharan brothers."
There is a general murmur of appreciation at this. You recognize many stout warriors who fought for Brock nodding, thoughtfully.
"Let the third decree be this: we express our gratitude to those who saved our life when all was darkest. We ask that the three most directly responsible for our fate stand forth and be recognized." You realize with a start that the notables of the realm are all looking at Rooker, Kane and Thragga. From behind, the Lady Helaine nudges you forward to stand before the throne in the empty space at the foot of the dais. Rooker looks uncomfortably at Thragga and Kane and steps forth hesitantly.
Lilanne looks incredulous that these three are the ones to be recognized. She leans towards Aelorn and whispers in Selandri..."A thief, a bully and an orc...what a trio! Let us hear of the 'noble' deeds they performed!"
Aelorn nods at Lilanne, rolling his eyes in superior fashion as only the Selandri can.
Thragga looks left, then right, then steps forward, trailing behind Rooker like a puppy.
Kane steps forward to join his companions.
Henrick speaks again. "We will not recount the tale of their quest, allowing them to brag about it at the feast later, but it is safe to say that we would not be seated before you without them. In small token of my esteem, I offer them gifts." Servants bring forth bundles for each of you.
Rooker shakes his head slightly to Kane and shrugs.
Each of you is presented with a deepsilver chain shirt, made of rarest Vulkah metal. Rooker receives a bundled cloak, and a silver pendant is drooped about his neck. A scarab is pinned to Kane's black tunic, and a small tied bundle of crossbow bolts is offered to him. For Thragga's part, he receives a massive ram's horn, which is hollowed for trumpeting.
Lilanne looks at her nails in boredom, then observes the court. To her, most of the court seems enrapt by the young King, impressed by his generosity of spirit. Even hardbitten knights and warriors seem well disposed. Perhaps the long war has tired them all.
The Lady Mirana, who Kane rescued from the rooftop just hours before, stands nearby under heavy guard, watching the King closely.
Lilanne watches Mirana for a moment, and then returns her attention to the dais. One darkly complexioned man, in a crown, stands near the throne. he watches Henrick like a hawk. Eyes sharp as blades on him.
Lilanne points him out to Aelorn. "Any idea who that is?"
Aelorn whispers to Lilanne in their own tongue.''Tis King Lucard of Sarrik, my lady. By all accounts, a dangerous man.'.
Lilanne whispers, "It would appear so."
Bowing to the King, Rooker steps forward slightly and drops to one knee. "For your gifts, we are grateful, Your Grace. But I must now return something. The Grace of Ardis has saved us all and the Grail of Ardis should now be returned to its rightful keepers."
Producing the Grail from a well-worn belt pouch, Rooker holds it out before him to Seliah.
Seliah smiles at Rooker. "We thank you for safekeeping it all this time, Rooker." All in formal white, she glides down from the dais and takes it from the kneeling man.
Rooker stands and takes his place among his companions.
Lilanne now looks intrigued. "The grail of Ardis? Perhaps there is more to these three!"
Kane then steps forward as well and bows deeply to the new King. "It will be my honor to serve you, Your Grace, and through my service to you, rid all the world of the evil Vorghol."
Thragga grunts. "Uh...what he said."
The court chuckles lightly at the uncouth Urag.
Next, the Knight Marshal of Anghara, an aging warrior named Ser Ander, the successor to Ser Morause, steps forth. He loops a golden pendant with a dragon motif about each of your necks. "In the name of the King I name you Constable. In the name of the King..." he repeats this three times.
King Henrick says, "Since you are of foreign birth, I may not knight you, but you now receive the badges of King's Constables, allowing you to travel without hindrance across the land of Anghara and to summon loyal servants of the Crown to your aid."
The King adds, "And lastly, I offer you a boon of your own choice. Name it and if it is within our royal power, we will give it you."
Kane once again bows deeply. "Your Grace, in my travels I have come across an old watch tower between the border of your Kingdom and Tol Nedra. If it pleases your Grace, I would have this tower repaired and use it as a place where I might lead my attack against the undead."
The King nods in agreement. "Let it be done. You shall lead a force of warriors and artisans to the tower to have it repaired, and we will reconnoiter the threat against the dark ones."
Lilanne whispers, "Attack the undead? Is he mad?!?"
Gloroth sighs and speaks quietly to Lilanne. "They are all mad, these mayflies."
Lilanne whispers, "And dangerous my friend."
Kane bows deeper than even before, then steps back. He looks to Thragga and Rooker to see if they will ask the King for their boons.
Rooker fidgets uncomfortably. He looks at Thragga and silently urges him forward.
Henrick asks Thragga, "And you, my Urag friend?"
Thragga thinks a long moment. "I wish to learn to ride a horse, your Mightiness. A nice big horse and all."
A chuckle goes up from the crowd. "Very well, then, a modest enough request I am sure we can fulfill." Henrick says, generously. He pauses. "Now, Rooker...do not look so. Speak and have your boon granted."
Bowing deeply, Rooker clears his throat softly before speaking; "Your Grace is most generous and most kind. I am a simple man not familiar with courtly manners. If I might delay my choice until some later date, perhaps when my service is no longer required by the Kingdom, I might then have the wisdom needed to make such a choice."
The King nods. "This request shows much prudence, and we approve it."
With a wave, you are dismissed. There is still more business to conduct, however."Kane, you may remain in our presence."
Lilanne whispers, "We must keep our eyes on those three."
As if on cue, Ser Ander has Lady Mirana brought forth, and two burly knights escort her before the throne.
Rooker moves aside but remains in the room to observe the proceedings.
To the young lady, he speaks harshly. "Lady Mirana, upon our entry into this city, you attempted to do harm to the lawful King. And this new Constable saved you from yourself."
The King intones, "We shall consider your stone as the last blow of the civil war, and as that war is now behind us, we consider that we shall treat you like all other Angharans. We are now at peace. This is royal justice: With your oath of fealty to us, you inherit your father's title of Baroness of Highfall."
Mirana eyes Kane thoughtfully, silent.
Lilanne whispers, "Noble move...but very foolish."
Kane says, "This would be a good time to show your fealty to your new King Baroness."
Mirana asks Kane, "My father was undead, you say, my lord?"
Rooker notes there is a Sarrik delegation here, led by no less than a face he recognizes from coins. King Lucard. He watches these proceedings intently, eyes like a hawk.
Kane says, "That he was. Deceived by the lies of a great one of the undead. He was already dead when we faced him. He just didn't know it. He is now at peace."
Mirana asks, "Did you kill him?"
Many in the court are beginning to frown. The King is far too patient with this one.
Kane says, "I did. But it was no longer the father you knew. He was under the thrall of the Vorghol lord."
Mirana is silent.
Thragga rumbles at Mirana, "The King is waiting for an answer, girly."
Kane says, "I will not ask your forgiveness for I view what I did as an act of kindness to your father. But I will say I am sorry for your loss."
Lilanne whispers, "They should just kill her and be done with it!"
Kane says, "Now my lady it is time for you to choose."
Mirana tells Kane, "I hope one day I will be able to express my gratitude for your service, my lord." She smiles sweetly, speaks and goes to one knee. "Your Grace. I hereby swear fealty to you as long as you reign."
King Henrick says, "Very well. We style you Baroness of Highfall and grant you the lands and duties thereof."
Baroness Mirana rises, head bowed, wiping a tear from one eye, then backs from the King's presence.
Kane backs up as well and whispers to Mirana, "I have suffered great loss myself at the hands of the Vorghol lords myself. That is why I have dedicated my life to putting their rule to an end. It would be wise for you to do the same...my lady. Mark my words, if you cross the King again he will not be so forgiving and neither will I."
King Henrick rises. "We thank you all for your service! But I pray you, stay and enjoy the hospitality!"
The King's Seneschal bangs his staff thrice on the marble floor. "My lords, my ladies. Court is now ended. The King invites you to the coronation ball, held in the courtyard beyond!" He gestures to a large set of brass doors leading just outside.
Rooker steps forward and moves toward the King.
Rooker steps close to the King and whispers into his ear."That is a promise I could have heard in a thousand alleys in the Gut of Mazirin, Your Grace. And one I would not trust."
King Henrick considers Rooker's words. "She bears watching, it's true." He sighs. "Rooker, I'm a soldier. I am no good at...intrigue."
Rooker smiles at his King; "And I, Your Grace, am a man who knows how to make a promise that can be broken. And what it sounds like when I hear one."
"Highfall is far enough away, but perhaps someone ought to travel there, count heads, take names...." Henrick muses.
Rooker says, "A census is not what is needed, your Grace. Some quiet men who know how to listen while they go about their business. Perhaps that would be more in order, if I may be so bold as to make a suggestion."
Henrick winks. "I see we read from the same book, my friend. A census of the crown's enemies, is what I was implying."
Rooker bows slightly at the waist. "Your Grace is too modest. Intrigue seems to be more than a hobby of yours."
Kane once again addresses Miranda, this time in a regular speaking voice. "Now would you join me for food and drink and a toast to our new King?" He waits for Mirana's answer.
The servants have rollled out quite a party. Great haunches of roast meats crowd the banquet tables before you. laid out in a vast circle for three hundred guests. Great casks of wine are broken open and goblets of Kalidan red are soon in all your hands. Pipers and drummers play and the mood is quite merry.
Mirana eyes Kane. "You are not from Anghara, are you, my lord?"
Kane says, "No, I am from Tol Nedra. It is a very harsh place to live."
Mirana replies, "So is a Kingdom at war, my lord. And you may call me, my lady. I am a Baroness, you know."
Kane says, "My apologies, my lady. May I get you something to drink?"
Mirana nods. "You may."
Kane says, "Now that this land is finally at peace there should be room for some celebration. Many here have lost love ones as well as yourself to this war."
Rooker stands talking with the King. Thragga calls to Rooker from across the crowded noisy room. "Hey, Rooker, come on over here! You have to try this!" He holds up a tray laden with sweetmeats with a toothy grin.
Rooker says, "By your leave, sir.""
Henrick grins. "Enjoy!" He turns to speak to Lady Helaine for a moment about some other matter.
Rooker turns and smiles to Thragga as he weaves hi sway toward the Urag through the crowd.
Thragga passes the whole tray to Rooker. As Rooker's hands are full, he then upends a massive flagon of wine into Rooker's mouth, drenching his face and clothes with expensive Kalidan red. Then he laughs like a mad orc.
The Selandri stand talking amongst themselves, watching the noisy celebrants.
Coughing on the wine, Rooker leans close to Thragga and whispers in his ear; "We should grab Dake and go find a good pub."
Thragga snorts. "We should wreck a pub! That would be fun! I will bring my axe!"
Rooker shakes his finger at Thragga as one would scold a child; "Now how would that look, Thragga? The King's Constables breaking up a pub?"
The rather loud, laughing Urag draws some wary glances from the guards in the courtyard.
"I dunno! Let's find out how it would look!" Thragga snorts wine out his nostils.
Kane leads Mirana into the banquet hall and gets her a glass of wine.
Mirana accepts the glass from Kane. Then she waits. "You mentioned a toast, my lord? To the new King?"
Kane raises his glass and his voice and says, "To the new King, may his reign be long and peaceful!"
"Here here! Long and peaceful!" echo the cries from the room. "The new King!"
Mirana clinks her glass against Kane's with a smile. "Why is it you are not undead, Kane? How did you escape the curse? I had heard that the living were mere food animals to the Vorghol Lords."
Kane says, "When I had my fill of their cruelty I left. My father serves the Vorghol lords. I suppose this bought me some time."
"You are not what I would expect, my lord." Mirana says.
Kane says,"What did you expect?"
Mirana says, "Let's just say that the stories of Tol Nedra are not all true, I suppose."
Kane says, "Unfortunately many are. But there are still people who rember the glory of what Tol Nedra once was and some day might be again. People who oppose the rule of the Vorghol. We are not your enemies my lady, the Vorghol are. They are the once who truly killed your father.""
Across the room, the King is greeted by nobles, well-wishers, friends, and loyal knights. He warmly greets them in return, laughing, cheering, hugging.
Spotting Dake amid the crowd, Rooker waves him over.
Dake ambles over, already full of celebration. "My lord Connnnstablesss!" he says with an exaggerated bow. He seems to be having trouble keeping upright.
Rooker leans close to Dake; "We need to find an inn where real men can drink and tell stories and chase wenches, Dake. Not the King's Courtyard."
Dake winks. "I know...jus' the place! Don't we boys? Boys?" he looks behind him. "They wuz here a minnit ago..."
Rooker says, "We'll gather them up on the way out, Dake. Let's go, Thragga."
Thragga pauses a moment to gulp some of the fine wine.
Hooking his companions elbows with his own, Rooker steers the two toward the nearest exit.
There's a break in the crowd, and King Henrick is seen speaking quietly to King Lucard. The King gestures Rooker, Dake, Kane and Thragga over.
Kane says, "Excuse me my lady." He approaches the King.
Rooker steers his unsteady cargo toward the two Kings.
King Lucard's gaze has fierce black eyes like a bird of prey. He doesn't even seem to blink.
Kane bows to the two Kings.
Dake essays a bow before the Sarrik ruler and then his own.
Thragga seizes him before he topples.
Kane says, "I am at your service my Grace."
Rooker bows and assists Thragga in holding up Dake.
King Henrick tells his cousin, "Your Grace, this is the Sarriki fellow I told you of, Rooker. And my new constables, Kane and Thragga."
Lucard smiles with just his mouth. His eyes never smile. "Rooker. From your accent, I'd make you a Mazirene."
Bowing to King Lucard, Rooker speaks quietly. "Your Grace is quite correct. And if I might ever prove of service to you, you need only ask."
Lucard smirks. "How did Rooker, formerly of Mazirin, come to serve my esteemed cousin?"
Rooker says, "Quite by accident, your Grace. As many young men of little means, I had the urge to travel and make my fortune. I was simply in the right place at the right time to serve King Henrick."
Lucard's expression is flat. "I see." is all he says. "Well met, then, gentlemen. I am sure we will encounter each other again." Then he turns to go.
Henrick watches him go. "I don't understand him." he tells you.
Kane raises his eye brow at the King's departure.
Thragga belches. "Oops."
Kane says, "I have heard the relations with Sarrik can be tense at times my Grace?"
Henrick nods. "In future, I hope to make him see we have but one real foe, and that is Tol Nedra."
Rooker attempts to bodily turns his drinking companions toward the door and moves out of the courtyard with them.
King Henrick nudges Rooker as just then sees someone pass with her back to you. "Oh! And by the by, there's someone else I want you to meet. She's only just arrived from the south."
Rooker pauses at the King's request.
Kane turns to see who the King is speaking of.
"The Baroness of Aliya...this is Constables Rooker, Kane and Thragga. And Captain Dake."
The Lady Aliya turns to you. She looks quite shocked. And she bears an uncanny resemblance to the thief Catriona. In fact, she is Catriona, in nicer clothes than when you met her last.
Thragga does a spit-take, hosing the drunken Dake with even more wine. PFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!
Dake roars, "Hey! Watch it!"
Kane gives a slight bow to the baroness.
Rooker steps forward to take the Baroness' hand. Bowing deeply, he greets her. "Baroness, I am so pleased to make your acquaintance."
The so-called "Aliya" doesn't miss a beat. . She waits to see if you are going to turn her in, or if she should fake a faint or just run for the door. Then: "My lords..." she says smoothly...
Thragga says, "Hey, Rooker! Hey! She's the one!"
Rooker says, "Yes, she is Thragga. The very beautiful lady we saw on the road."
Dake angrily pushes Thragga as the Urag is about to add more. "Watch it, you great orcish oaf!"
Catriona offers her hand for Rooker to kiss.
Winking at the King, Rooker makes quick excuses. "You Grace, Baroness, we must take our leave, I am afraid that we are required elsewhere."
Kane takes Thragga by the arm, "If you will excuse us I believe they are serving the boiled quail eyes, and it's Thragga's favorite dish."
Kissing Catriona's hand, Rooker grabs Thragga's elbow and steers him toward the doorway.
Kane scans the room for Mirana.
Thragga says, "What? Huh? They are? I love those! But Kane! Your horse!"
Kane says, "You can eat that later."
Mirana looks forlorn, chatting idly with Lady Helaine. As Kane looks back, Mirana raises her glass in a toast to him.
Kane says to his companions, "I will be along shortly..." and turns to join the two women.
Rooker says, "Come, Thragga, Dake has a drink he wants you to try." Thragga, confused, looks back at the King and the "Baroness." And shrugs, departing with his drinking buddies. Hurriedly, you two, plus Dake, exit the courtyard, headed for a Deepside tavern.
Kane says, "My ladies, is there anything I can get the two of you?"
Mirana tells Kane, "I need nothing from you, my lord. You may depart."
Kane bows and looks Mirana in the eyes, "I beg your pardon then, ladies." He then turns on his heel and stalks out to join his friends.