Soul Cursed Protector
Chapter 15: The New King's Coronation

The city of Drasal was throwing a festival in honor of the new king being crowned. There was dancing in the streets, troubadours could be seen on every corner playing instruments and singing songs of virtue. Even the knights took to the festivities, eating and drinking their fair share afterwards dancing with the maidens in the town square. But not all were happy with a new king being crowned, and voiced their frustration and distrust. There were still a select few that wanted to know what happened to King Edward, and why Lord Alistair was anointed to become the new king so quickly.

However any such insolence from the towns people was dealt with swiftly by the knights that were celebrating the coronation of the soon to be king. And if any of those scoundrels made it through to the actual coronation and caused trouble, it would be those knights heads on the chopping block.

Back at the castle the coronation for that night was being prepared. Decorations were being hung, the high priestess was preparing herself for the ceremony of the passing of the crown. In hours time there will be a new king, and a new destiny for the kingdom of Drasal.

There was a knocking at the throne door, it was Caine, he wanted to discuss somethings with Lord Alistair. “Come in.” a voice called out, it was the chamberlain.

Caine walked inside the room and humbly bowed, “Your Majesty, I have news.”

“Could you excuse us Ballard.” Alistair said, motioning for Ballard to leave them to their devices.

“As you wish.” and out the door Ballard went.

“Nice look for you.” Caine joked, pointing out the fact that Alistair was wearing a different sort of armor.

“I must look the part.” Alistair laughed. The armor he wore was a little over the top, it was diamond platted, and when the light hit it, it almost seemed to sparkle. And the armored gloves he had on seemed to have spikes at the knuckles, the boots on his feet made him at least an inch or so taller. The tippet that stretched from his neck, was made from silk and had pearls attached to the shoulders, and lastly he had the King’s Defender sheathed to his side. “You said there was news to discuss?”

It was clear that Caine was excited but trying his best to conceal his emotions. “Our scouts have indicated that Gawain and his students live, not only that another piece of the blade was found.” he explained. “It makes its way here as we speak.”

“That is great news.” Alistair slapped Caine’s shoulder. “But do tell. Where was it found?” “It was found within the Reaper Cannon.”

“That explains how the cannon got its power.” “But now the cannon is useless to us.”

“If you think about it, that is good tidings indeed.” “How do you figure?”

“King Adan has no bargaining chip in his hands, we have no use for him now.” Alistair was happy that he could carry out his plans without issue. “Come now, we have a ceremony to get to.”

Later on that night the ceremony for the passing of the crown had begun, but as Alistair looked around his castle only to see a select few in his presence, that angered him greatly. “Where are the people of Drasal?”

“Only the counsel and your First Knight, and your Chamberlain of course, are the only ones permitted to witness this divine moment.” the priestess answered. “The unclean must stay outside the castle doors.”

This will not do, if I am to succeed I need the trust of the people first and foremost. “Caine?” he glanced over at his first knight. “Open the castle doors and let the people in to witness their new king taking the throne.”

“I don’t believe that would be wise, my Lord.” whispered the Chamberlain.

Alistair turned and scowled, “That is none of your concern.” he turned his attention back to Caine, motioning for him to open the castle doors.

“Do not open that door young man.” one of the counselors demanded. “This is the passing of the crown, the unclean are not fit to witness such a moment.” with that others started to voice their displeasure at Alistair’s decision as well.

While the counselors were bickering among themselves Alistair stood from the throne. “If I say the people are allowed to witness the crowning of their new king, then that is all that matters.” he flung his hands up in the air. “If any have a problem with that, then leave now and I shall replace more suiting counselors, fit to serve me.” the room became quit, which made Alistair smile knowing that even the counselors must bend to his will. “As I thought. Caine, please proceed.”

Caine opened the castle doors to the thousands of townspeople that stood outside just hoping to catch a glimpse of their new king. “People of Drasal.” he shouted. “Come inside these hollowed walls and witness the crowning of a new king.” he stepped out of the way welcoming the people in, they cheered with joy as they rushed inside.

“We can began, High Priestess.” Alistair smirked.

“Let the ceremony began.” the High Priestess sighed, and started to hum. Not long after the surrounding priestesses in the room started to hum along with her, it was a beautiful hymn and very well coordinated. The High Priestess pulled a small vile of what looked to be holly water from her robe, and doused it upon the crown. She placed the vile back within her robe and lowered her head praying to her god Emilie, to protect the new king that will wear this crown upon his head. When the

prayer was done, the High Priestess raised her head and the humming abruptly stopped. “Lord Alistair, kneel before our god Emilie, and all else in this room.” Alistair bowed and knelt before the High Priestess. She picked the crown up from its pedestal, and held it up in the air for all to see, before turning her attention back on Alistair. “Lord Alistair do you swear to the god Emilie to uphold your duties to the crown? To serve the people with a wise and caring hand? To serve swift justice when need be, and punish the wicked? Will you promise to uphold the seven holly laws of the land?”

“I shall.” Alistair proclaimed.

“Then I, High Priestess of the church of Drasal, servant to Emilie, and protector of the seven laws, anoint you Lord Alistair, the new king of Drasal.” she placed the crown atop his head. “Now rise and take your rightful place as king.” Alistair stood, unsheathed the King’s Defender, and raised it up in the air to cheers from the townspeople echoing throughout the castle.