CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE #3
Deckard smiled as the clerk approached the ministers, Daulton and Rowana Calder, and subsequently opened the box. The Calders extended their hands to retrieve the insignias contained within. Meanwhile, Pol and Vecent stood, and the general of their guard watched attentively from behind the throne.
“I, Interim Minister Daulton Calder, hereby charge you, Highlady Chancellor Pol Haadge, to lead the Doorstunds Province of Allund with your wisdom and insight.”
Pol dipped her head in a humble bow as the minister draped a thin gold and gem-encrusted chain with a small ruby pendant over her neck.
“I, Interim Minister Rowana Calder, hereby charge you, Highlord Commander Vecent Haadge, to protect the Doorstunds Province of Allund with your equity and strength.”
Vecent also bowed as Rowana pinned a platinum and ruby badge to the lapel of his coat next to where the flickering Fire Relic hung.
The ministers stepped back. “Do you both swear to uphold these charges?” Daulton asked.
“We do,” the Bonded couple said together.
“Then,” Rowana continued, “by the authority vested in the Administration of Allund, we hereby appoint you as overseers of the Order of the Flame and sovereigns of Doorstunds Province.”
Another round of applause rang throughout the hall. Deckard watched Ethenn and Ilain carefully, noting their shared look of acceptance. They’d given up this path for an unknown future. Yet, Deckard didn’t spot a trace of doubt in their expressions.
The coronation proceeded in a clockwise manner around the assembly.
Beneath the yellow, sun-embroidered banner of Day, Highlady Chancellor Nessa and Highlord Commander Sidney Geis were appointed as overseers of the Order of the Day and sovereigns of Helsford Province, located in the northeastern region of Allund.
Having collaborated with Deckard and Evylin in Loclight for an extended period, Nessa and Sidney had proven to be both amicable and wise, leading Deckard to confidently conclude that they would serve as effective leaders for the populace in that region, as well as valuable allies to Ilain and Ethenn’s cause.
The banner, adorned with sapphire and decorated with motifs of the sea, swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze that flowed through the hall as Highlady Chancellor Pennie and Highlord Commander Aarl Swartz were appointed as overseers of the Order of the Sea and sovereigns of Portlund Province, which included what was previously recognized as the southwestern region of Ephria.
Highlord Chancellor Grey and Highlady Commander Alma Trumane were placed in charge of the Order of the Night and the Verlund Province.
For the Order of the Wind, Highlady Chancellor Oriel and Highlord Commander Sean Olsen were assigned to Sutterlund Province.
In Vaura Province, Highlord Chancellor Nicholson and the newly discovered Highlady Commander Ailsa Everlye were to oversee the Order of the Age.
Finally, Highlady Chancellor Wintie and Highlord Commander Samel Feelds were tasked with the Order of the Terrae and the governance of Shirelund Province, which contained the Deckards’ childhood homes.
At last, their coronation came.
Gisele ascended the steps as the ministers advanced to greet her.
Deckard rose alongside Evylin. He clasped her hand tightly, staving off the anxiety that shot tremors through his body.
He caught a bead of anxious anticipation woven in the excitement radiating off her, but she held her head high, undaunted in the face of the vast charge that lay ahead of them.
The archminister approached, gleaming insignia in her hand. “I, Archminister Linne Essen, hereby charge you, Highlord Chancellor Jonn Deckard, to lead the Loclight Province of Allund with your wisdom and insight.”
Deckard remained as still as possible while she affixed a gold badge to his coat. Up close, he could see the design more clearly as it rested by the Relic around his neck. It was an eight-sided star, inlaid with onyx and moonstone—a beautifully crafted, intricate piece.
“I, Minister Ross Maarsh, charge you, Highlady Commander Evylin Deckard, to protect the Loclight Province of Allund with your equity and strength.”
Evylin lowered her head for the man to fasten the platinum and onyx chain around her neck. It sparkled brilliantly in the late morning light as she turned to look up at Deckard, her expression a mix of disbelief and laughter. Even as she stifled her amusement, her dimples filled her face with joy.
Deckard shared her astonishment. Far beyond his wildest imagination, this was not the person he envisioned becoming. Yet, as he stood beside Evylin on the dais, he realized he wouldn’t want to be anyone else.
“Do you both swear to uphold these charges?” Minister Maarsh asked.
“We do,” Deckard and Evylin replied in unity.
“Then by the authority vested in the Administration of Allund,” Archminister Essen announced, “we appoint you as overseers of the Order of the Heavens and sovereigns of Loclight Province.”
As the last of Allund’s sovereigns was appointed, the hall erupted in a cacophony of applause and cheers. The old ways were gone, and magic was renewed.
The Republic of Allund had arrived.