Chapter 15
Mariel was busy getting ready for the Coronation of my sister. She had taken a big part in the preparations, and the day was almost here. I worried about the demon, but Vostich had taken charge of it. It remained in the castle with Fithian as a permanent escort whenever it went out.
I spent a good deal of time in the magic library, looking up demon destroying spells. Pejoru had an interesting library to say the least. I memorized spell after spell. I had also created an interesting spell. It took everything I had to power it, but it was particularly nasty to WHATEVER I caste it upon!
I went flying in my dragon form more frequently. It was a good way to work off frustrations. With the demon here, I was very frustrated. How I longed to try out my new spell on it. One thing I noticed, was my new spell was now in Pejoru's library! I was rather proud of that.
The palace was crowded with dignitaries coming from everywhere to see my sister crowned Queen of Landkur. I thought sadly that my mother and father, whom I still had trouble remembering, would have been proud of Mirwanna.
I was feeling very uncomfortable. Why is it that all 'new' clothes seemed to make you itch and feel like you're choking? Come on! These were hand made, for gods' sake! Still, I had to admit that the tailors had done an excellent job.
The boot maker had done a very good job. The leather of my boots was wonderfully soft and pliable, yet the shine was almost glaring. I definitely looked good: brown over-tunic, brown trousers, and black boots. A silver dragon was embroidered on my right breast (where a pocket would be, if this were Earth clothing).
As a member of the family, I was seated early in an antechamber next to the main throne room, while waiting for the main event to take place. The main throne room was filled, and more arriving every minute.
Finally, it was time. A fanfare of trumpets announced the beginning of the ceremony, and the hall quieted. All of us who had been seated or pacing in the antechamber, quietly made our way to our places in the throne room.
The huge ornamental double doors opened slowly, and Mirwanna stood revealed. She wore the royal colors of Landkur, which were three shades of deep blue. She looked lovely. Slowly, in almost a stately manner, she began to slowly walk down the center aisle of the room.
Waves of people bowed and curtsied to her, and rose as she passed. Her gown was of floor length, with a very slight 'train'. Her arms and shoulders were completely covered. She wore a choker at her neck which glittered with diamonds.
Her hair was worn loosely, and fell about her shoulders in brown wave. I looked closely. Yup, she had changed her hair color for some reason. It wasn't much of a change, but it was noticeable.
Vostich was standing by the throne, as was Fithian. I looked around quickly. I saw that the demon was close by, standing quietly not ten feet from Fithian, on his side of the room. I relaxed a little at that. As if he knew I was looking, he turned his head and looked me squarely in the eye. He nodded microscopically.
As Mirwanna got to the foot of the raised dais that the throne was on, she knelt. Vostich and Fithian, as one, turned to face the throne. They, too, knelt. Fithian was on the left side of the room and the throne, and Vostich the right.
As if this was a cue, there was a glow. The goddess Ishla appeared. Everyone, including the demon, knelt. Ishla looked out at us all, and raised her hand in what I felt was a benediction. The sense of her presence was almost overwhelming. I wondered curiously how the demon was handling it.
"All of you are here to witness Mirwanna Landkur's investiture as Queen of Landkur. She is deemed worthy," the Goddess said, looking now at Mirwanna. "Mirwanna, do you swear to take up guardianship of this land, to protect her, nurture her, and give your life for her, should it be required of you?" the Goddess asked.
"I do so swear," Mirwanna answered clearly.
The Goddess touched her, and I felt some magic pass into Mirwanna. I saw connections to the land itself being made! Soon, these connections faded from sight. The Goddess then lifted her hands, and a crown appeared in them.
It glowed brilliantly, and Ishla set it gently but firmly, on Mirwanna's head.
"Thusly have you all seen the Crown of Landkur accept Mirwanna Landkur as the rightful heir to the throne. Let none gainsay Mirwanna Landkur as Queen of Landkur," she said. With that, the Goddess was gone.
Mirwanna rose to her feet, followed quickly by Vostch, Fithian, and myself. Slowly, the rest of the room rose to their feet. She stepped up onto the dais, turned, and sat on the throne.
As she did, Vostich led us all, on a massive bow (or curtsy). There was something different about Mirwanna. She seemed more mature, more... queenly. That was it. She had been seated on the throne before, but now, it was as if it truly belonged to her.
"The lords of the land will now come forward, and swear fealty anew, to the Queen," Vostich said in a voice that carried quite clearly throughout the hall.
I found myself being one of the first to swear to my sister. I was granted again my title as Duke De Landkur, and also as 'Prince Protector of the Throne'.
The next person took his place, and on and on. All in all, it took over an hour for the assembled nobles to renew their oaths of fealty. Vostich and Fithian stood on either side of the throne as this took place.
After all the nobles of the land that was present had sworn fealty, everyone was moved into the huge dining room. It was a large room with many tables. It was used only during state dinners. A reception line was formed by Mirwanna, Vostich, Fithian, myself, and a few other high nobles. After we had greeted each and every person, we went to the table at which no one seated. We sat, with Mirwanna in the middle.
Extra tables had been set out, and they were needed. Over all, over three hundred people were seated. Many servants were setting platters of food out for the guests. I wondered curiously how much all this was costing 'the crown'.
I rolled over and sat up. Light was shining brightly into the room and I winced at it. The celebrating had gone on far into the night, and I did not get to bed until after 3 AM. Well, the Land now had a Queen, crowned by our own family Goddess. If someone had wanted to argue, that would and should have ended any thoughts in that direction.
What had disturbed me the most during the whole night, had been the closeness of the demon, Elpor to Mirwanna. My wife had chosen to sit with her father, who had shown up for the investiture. I did not begrudge her that.
Last night was just the first of five days of celebrations. Everyone in the city would be involved, in some way. Today the foreign dignitaries were scheduled to congratulate Mirwanna on her elevation, and renew oaths of friendship and other nauseating political lies.
I certainly did not begrudge her the job. As much as the power of a throne intrigued me, I was glad it was not mine. In all honesty, I was not raised to be the heir or to take over. I had been sent to another land for my safety.
Mariel was not beside me as she had elected to spend the evening with her parent and other relatives. That was just as well. She was blossoming as my wife. I wanted them to know her as I did; as a person in her own right.
I quickly dressed and made my way to the small dining room, used by the family for none state functions. A servant appeared as soon as I entered, and asked my wishes. I gave him my order, and went to a table and sat.
It was late morning, and the official functions would not begin until two this afternoon. First would be the carriage ride through the city. This would give the citizens a chance to see there new monarch.
I finished eating my late breakfast, and thanked the servant. I then made my way back to my apartments. I sat at my desk, and was contemplating hiding out, when there was a knock on my door.
"Come," I called out.
The door opened, and of all people, things, or entities; I was most surprised to see Elpor. He was followed into the room by two war wizards.
"Ah, Paul. I am glad I caught up to you. The demons would like to pledge friendship with your land. We have a present for the new queen. I tried to explain this to Vostich and then Fithian, but they were not receptive. I am hoping that you will be more open to the situation," Elpor told me.
I gaped at him openly.
"You have to be kidding. What makes you think that the Queen would accept anything from you? You do realize that we are going to do everything we can to dislodge your hold upon this world," I said grimly.
He nodded and said, "Of course. It is an affront to you and the other humans to have demons invade a place and hold it. Everything about us is the opposite of you. I want to tell you something. We really have little choice in this.
"What I mean, is... We are being invaded in our natural realm. So we in turn, are seeking a new home. We really would like to coexist with you. If we have to we will conquer you. We really have no choice," he said with a sigh.
I looked at him.
"Did you tell Vostich any of this? Or Fithian?" I asked him incredulously.
"They did not appear receptive to speaking with me at all. I was unable to communicate this to them," he said calmly.
"Wait," I told him.
I caught my breath. This was totally unbelievable! They had been invaded, so in turn they were invading us? Could it be the truth? I didn't know, so I contacted Vostich, and relayed what I had just found out.
To say he was stunned, was putting it mildly. He showed up almost as soon as I ended the communication.
Vostich teleported into my office and stared at the demon. The demon had turned as Vostich entered, and froze. I could feel the power Vostich was using on the demon. Vostich invaded the demon's mind. I shuddered. Just the thought of being in touch with the demon's mind, filled me with disgust.
Vostich sighed and relaxed. I looked my question at him.
"He is telling the truth as he knows it. The most powerful demons are fighting a holding action. It seems that the demons were trying to open a gateway. But what they got; was a gateway to a totally unexpected place.
"The entire invasion into our world was a bid for our attention. Oh, they would be glad to keep whatever land they could get here, but it was all designed to get the attention of the one with true power. They want help of all things," Vostich told me.
I gaped. "They want our help? You're serious? He was telling the truth?" I gasped out incredulously.
Edited By TeNderLoin
