Book 66 -- King Vardell's Coronation (last revised 11/15/02)
By Grog

Bells were ringing all over Antar, and the parade route was bedecked
with banners. After a bit of searching Grog found a place within the
central square. On a stage many nobles and city leaders mingled.
Killian noticed Grog and gave him a wave. Across the square Grog
spotted Kailen. Not soon later the bells dwindled to nothing. The
city was silent, and everyone in the square peered down the avenue.

Far from Grog the cheers began. Distant music could be heard as well,
a toe-tapping tune that quickly had people humming along. The parade
snaked its way through the temple quarter, the cheering and music
getting louder and louder. Maybe a half-hour later Grog caught sight
of the new leader. Margrave Vardell was standing on a platform,
mounted atop a huge, hairy elephant. The musicians marched ahead of
and around the white-furred beast. Also accompanying Vardell were
many jesters leading mules. Baskets strapped to the mules were
filled with gifts. As they entertained the parade watchers the
jesters also handed out food, flagons of wine and ale, and pouches
nearly bursting with gold crowns.

A woman in tattered clothing next to Grog is given a pouch, and yells
out "Safandi bless you, King Vardell!" The soon-to-be king smiles
warmly at the woman and waves. Reaching the stage, the Margrave jumps
from the back of the beast. There are gasps from the crowd as he
stumbles a bit landing, but Vardell quickly recovers. Mayor Griggs is
the closest, and directs him to his chair.

The mayor then begins an incredibly boring speech. The polite
listening skills of the citizenry waver after about twenty minutes,
and after another ten minutes or so it is Yerikan that prevents a
riot by interrupting Mayor Griggs. As Yerikan and the Council
coronate King Vardell the square roars with cheers and applause.

The King waits for the noise to subside, and then delivers a brief address.

"I am now King Vardell, but that word 'king' shall take on a new
meaning from this moment forth. 'King' is my title, a designation
that simply defines my responsibility to guide our kingdom. Whether a
person's title is king, carpenter, washerwoman, or farmer... all
people shall be considered equal as long as I wear this crown. The
laws will apply to everyone. We shall all prosper together!"

Cheers from the people are near-deafening, and King Vardell waits
many moments before being able to continue.

"I am honored to be the king of Varna, and welcome all refuges from
Samerien and other lands forced here by the Death Fog to consider
themselves Varnians. Together we shall remove the cursed fog, and
begin anew. As equals."

King Vardell gives a final wave, then walks from the stage with
Killian, Yerikan, and others towards the Adventurers Guild. The
festival in Antar begins, but Grog tears himself away to attend the
special guild meeting. The King's first order of business is to speak
with the guild. The meeting is quite informal, with the King taking
questions and asking what guild members would like to see from the
King. Many hours later the King has to go, but first he says goodbye
to each guild member present. The glowing ruby ring on the King's
hand catches Grog eye, and as they shake hands there's a mild shock.
Grog is pleased to find that he has received 25 experience points.

The End

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