Burden of the Crown, page 14
"I'm here now, Anna," offered Gerald.
The procession rounded the corner, heading west. They were nearing the location where, years before, an attempt had been made on Princess Margaret’s life.
Gerald looked instinctively to the rooftops to see a pair of Orcs watching the events below.
"We're safe," assured Alric. "Dame Hayley has things under control."
"Lady Hayley now," corrected Anna.
"It's strange to think how different things have become," mused Gerald. "When I first met you, you were a little girl with dirty feet and matted hair, do you remember?"
"I do," said Anna, with a grin. "I wash my feet every day now, and Sophie makes sure my hair is kept nicely brushed."
"Not an easy task," added Sophie, "it tangles so quickly."
Alric turned to look towards the head of the column. "How long is this route we're taking?" he asked.
"A while yet," said Gerald, "though we'll be turning north soon, then you'll see the cathedral."
"You said you've never witnessed a coronation," said Anna, "but surely, you must be familiar with traditions in Weldwyn regarding it?"
"I am," Alric admitted, "though they're much less a spectacle than what you have here."
"We're a warrior culture," said Anna, "and a coronation is a chance to project that strength."
"I can see why you worship Saxnor," said Alric. "The God of strength suits you, as a people. I'm glad you're on our side."
"So am I," Anna replied, blushing slightly.
Sitting in the carriage, they watched the crowds erupt into cheers as they rolled by. Anna even waved at one point, sending the commoners into a frenzy of activity. The noise grew even louder, causing the young princess to break out in a broad smile.
Soon enough, the procession turned north, and the cathedral loomed into sight, its pure white stone and large dome dominating the buildings around it.
Soldiers were lined up in front, keeping the crowds at bay. When the carriage rolled to a stop, a servant rushed forward to place a stool. As they had agreed, Gerald exited first, taking up station to the right side while Alric, following, moved left.
Anna descended next, stepping forward to be flanked by the other two, and then paused while Tempus and Sophie brought up the rear.
By this time, Dame Beverly had appeared, and presented herself before the princess, saluting with her sword, then turned to lead the group towards the great doors of the cathedral. These stood open, the sunlight streaming into the room beyond.
They entered the atrium, pausing a moment as Sophie made a final check of the princess's dress. The maid took up her position behind Anna once more, nodding to Beverly, who knocked on the inner door with the hilt of her sword.
The door opened to reveal a Holy Father.
"Who wishes to enter the Holy Sanctuary of Saxnor?" he formally asked.
"Princess Anna, rightful heir and ruler of Merceria," answered Beverly.
The Holy Father bowed deeply, stepping to the side. "We are honoured and blessed by your presence," he said.
They began moving once more, but as they crossed the threshold, Alric fell back to join Sophie. These two would not be participating any further in the ceremony and would soon take their seats.
Anna held onto Gerald's arm as they made their way down the nave. The place was packed to the left and right with the well-to-do. Above them, looking down on the procession, was a balcony full of well-wishers, mostly commoners with a smattering of guards to keep things orderly.
Before them stood the Bishop-Supreme of Saxnor, who would conduct the ceremony. He waited by the warrior's throne, the same seat that had been used to take the oath of office. As they approached the front, Gerald halted, and Anna released his arm, moving to stand in front of the officiant. Tempus moved up beside her, causing a stir amongst the crowd, but he seemed to realize the solemnity of the occasion, and merely stayed by her side. The Bishop-Supreme gave a blessing, and then Anna moved towards the throne, turning to stand with it behind her so that she faced the crowd.
Alric and Sophie had taken their seats up front, and Gerald quickly joined them. No sooner had he sat than the Bishop-Supreme called everyone to their feet. Once more words flowed from his mouth, this time extolling the virtues of honesty, integrity and strength, the prime characteristics of Saxnor himself.
Gerald stood in mute silence as a hymn was sung. It was not that he had any objection to it, but his life experience had never prepared him for such an act. To him, religion was a private thing between a man and his God, not this strange public display of devotion.
The song completed, the audience held their breath as a choir of children began to sing, the sound drifting through the halls of the cathedral, to echo back and forth, filling the room with its resonance.
Afterwards, a small mat was placed before Anna, and she knelt upon it, waiting. Two Holy Brothers carried out pillows that bore a ceremonial sword and shield, symbols of the power and might of the Royal Line.
Anna took these, holding them easily and with skill, no doubt mentally thanking Gerald for his training all those years ago. She looked every bit the warrior queen as she knelt there, staring out into the crowd, her face a mask of calmness.
Finally came the last item of all, the warrior's crown. It was fashioned long ago, a simple iron ring, unadorned with gold or jewels and yet somehow projecting great power. This was no flight of fancy, but a crown to be worn in battle.
The Bishop-Supreme held it over Anna's head, reciting the ancient words that had been uttered down through the centuries.
"We do, by Holy Right, charge you to uphold the laws and protect the people that inhabit this kingdom of Merceria, and to keep this land free from all enemies. Do you accept this sacred responsibility?"
"I do," uttered Anna, in a clear and commanding voice.
"Then I do, by these acts, make thee sovereign ruler of Merceria," he added, placing the crown upon her head. He moved to the side, turning to the crowd.
"I present to you, Her Majesty, Queen Anna of Merceria. Long may she reign."
Horns sounded, and then a great cheer went up from the crowd. It reverberated throughout the entire room until Gerald thought he might go deaf.
Anna bowed her head, the last act of supplication a new Mercerian monarch would ever make. It was said that a king, or in this case a queen, was bowing to Saxnor, but Gerald thought the real reason for the bow was to acknowledge the commoners, for, without them, there would be no crown. She stood up and stepped back, taking her rightful seat upon the throne of Merceria.
The choir began anew, calling on Saxnor himself to shower their new monarch with his blessing. When they finished, Anna rose, and the room fell back into silence as horns sounded, announcing her departure. She proceeded back down the nave, pausing only long enough for Gerald to make his way to her. He bowed deeply, then took up a position behind her, along with Alric. Only Tempus remained at her side, barking loudly as the trumpets reached their crescendo. When they finally entered the atrium, Anna handed over the sword and shield to a servant.
She turned briefly to Sophie, who rushed forward to adjust the crown, which had started to drop down over her eyes. Her task complete, the maid fell in behind, and they all exited the cathedral, Anna once again leading.
Another blare of horns sounded, filling the open air with their sound. Those assembled outside cheered yet again, and Anna halted, waving at her subjects before continuing to the waiting carriage. The queen climbed in first, with Tempus hot on her heels, taking up his customary position at her feet. Alric entered next, and then Gerald invited Sophie to take her seat, before joining them. He sat back, letting the padded chair engulf him, a far cry from the wooden benches of the cathedral.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty," said Gerald.
"Thank you," Anna replied, "but in private, I'd still like you to just call me Anna." She turned to Alric, "What did you think?"
"A strange ceremony, to be sure," said the young prince, "although I had expected it to take longer."
"The first such coronation took place on the field of battle," said Anna, "and the king was in a hurry to defeat his enemies. They've been short ever since."
"I wish Weldwyn had the same idea," mused Alric. "All of our ceremonies seem to take forever. I remember when my brother, Alstan, was married, the ceremony took the better part of an entire day. I can tell you I was exhausted by the end."
"Luckily, my coronation was short and sweet," said Anna. "Though I suppose we'll have to start thinking about a Royal Wedding soon enough."
"I suppose we will," grinned Alric, "but that's some time off yet."
The carriage rolled forward, starting the long procession back to the Palace.
"Do you feel any different, Your Majesty?" asked Alric.
"Yes, and no," replied Anna. "It certainly feels good to have it over and done with. I suppose it will take some getting used to being called Majesty all the time, but I don't feel any different."
"That's because you're not," offered Gerald. "You're the same old Anna inside, that's the important thing."
"Yes," agreed Alric, "and don't let it get to you this time. Remember, you and Gerald are a team."
"And you," added Anna.
"Eventually," agreed Alric, "but there's still been no official announcement."
"I'm sure people realize it by now," said Anna. "You were, after all, travelling in my carriage."
"Yes," Alric agreed, "but you need to push through your reforms before we announce anything. You don't want to risk losing any votes in the Nobles Council."
Anna removed the crown, rubbing her head slightly. "This thing's heavier than it looks."
Gerald laughed, "You know, you don't have to wear it, other than today."
"I don't mind wearing it," said Anna. "It will remind me of the weight of responsibility that I bear, but I wouldn't mind having it sized properly."
"Perhaps a cap could be inserted, Your Majesty?" suggested Sophie. "It would lessen the burden."
"A marvellous idea, Sophie," Anna agreed, "and one we'll have to look at in future. I'll just have to tough it out for today."
"I suppose I understand the need for the long procession on the way to the cathedral," mused Alric, "but do we have to repeat the same journey in reverse? Surely, there's a shorter route we could take?"
"There is," said Gerald, "but the throne needs to be moved back to the Palace, so it's there upon our return. It wouldn't do to get back and have nowhere for the sovereign to sit."
"I hadn't thought of that," said Alric.
"That's all right," said Anna, "that's what we have Gerald here for."
* * *
Lord Montrose watched as the queen's carriage pulled away.
"It appears," offered Lord Barrington, "that our plans have come to naught."
"Be patient," offered Montrose, "there are yet things we can do. We might have failed to pry the old man away from her, but more direct action may be successful where guile has failed."
"Meaning?" said Barrington.
"Meaning that we can lose a battle, but still win the war."
"What about the north?" asked Barrington. "I thought that Fitzwilliam woman was supposed to go there, and yet I saw her leading the procession today."
"That was unforeseen," said Montrose defensively. "It seems they sent someone else to command the northern frontier."
"Who?"
"A traitorous dog named Heward," spat out Montrose.
"He was one of yours, wasn't he?" asked his companion.
"He was," growled out the earl.
"What are we to do now?" asked Barrington.
"Why, enjoy the festivities. The queen is hosting us at the Palace. Eat, drink, enjoy yourself. We need to be seen as gracious and happy with the way things have turned out."
"And then?"
"Then we will let the situation develop naturally," said Montrose.
Fourteen
The Council
Summer 963 MC
Anna peered out from behind the curtain to watch the nobles milling about the great hall. Tempus, eager to see what interested his mistress, sniffed the air, then moved closer, the better to spot the object of her attention.
"Are they all present?" she asked.
"They are," said Gerald, "and waiting for you."
"Very well," she said. "Let's begin, shall we?"
Gerald stepped out and waited a moment as the Master of Heralds, who acted as the host of these meetings, met his gaze and then rapped the floor with his staff, drawing everyone's attention.
"Her Majesty, Queen Anna," he announced.
They all turned as one, giving her their full attention when she entered. She made her way directly to the throne and sat, with Gerald taking up his customary position to her right while Tempus lay to the left. Wearing the warrior's crown, the very symbol of her power, along with her Dwarven short sword, she looked every part a queen.
"You have all received notice of my intent to change the laws of succession," she said, without preamble. "We meet here today to carry out the vote."
"Your Majesty," soothed Lord Montrose, "surely you must realize you lack the votes to pass such an act."
"Do I?" said Anna. "I think you are mistaken, Lord Montrose."
Montrose looked unsettled, giving Gerald a sense of satisfaction, a feeling no doubt shared by the new queen.
"Before we vote," she continued, "it has long been a tradition that the title of Viscount Haverston is held by a member of the Royal Family. As it falls to me, the sole remaining member of my line, I have decided to award it to a deserving individual. I, therefore, appoint Sir Arnim Caster as Viscount of Haverston."
The Earl of Shrewesdale stared back in disbelief.
Arnim stepped forward, kneeling before his sovereign. "I pledge my sword to your service, Majesty," he said.
"Arise, Lord Arnim Caster, Viscount of Haverston, and take your place on the Nobles Council."
Gerald watched the face of Lord Montrose turn red.
"On the matter of succession, how vote you, lords and ladies?" the queen asked.
"All those in favour, say aye," said the Master of Heralds, in his role of impartial executor. He then counted the votes.
"All those opposed?"
Once more the vote was counted, though much smaller in number.
"What say you, Master Herald?" asked Anna.
"The vote is passed, Your Majesty," the man replied, "by a clear majority. Henceforth, the next in line to the throne shall be the firstborn child of the monarch, regardless of gender."
"And now," said Anna, "I call upon you all to recognize that I shall reign, regardless of marriage. You have all read the proposal. Will any speak against it?"
Montrose wanted to speak up, Gerald saw it in his face, but the earl decided, in the end, to hold his tongue.
"The vote, Master Herald," she called out again.
"All those in favour?"
Once more, the votes were tallied, and again a clear victory for Anna. Surprisingly, even the Duke of Colbridge voted in favour, startling Gerald by his choice. Was this some sort of ruse on his part, or was young Markham Anglesley now content with his lot in life?
"All those opposed," droned on the Master of Heralds.
"What say you?" asked Anna once more.
"The motion is carried, Your Majesty," he replied.
Anna sat back, a smile of satisfaction on her face. "Lord Matheson," she called out.
Gerald was startled out of his musings by the use of his name. "Yes, Majesty?" he replied.
"Send in the Weldwyn Ambassador," she commanded.
Gerald turned to the door, nodding to the guards. Moments later, Prince Alric entered, preceded by Jack. The young cavalier took up a position beside Beverly as Alric made his way to stand before Anna.
"Lord Marlowe," she announced, "will you address the Nobles Council?"
"I will, Your Majesty," said Jack. He turned to face the assembled nobles, rolling open a parchment. "It is with the greatest respect and honour that King Leofric of Weldwyn offers his blessings to the union of his son, Prince Alric of Weldwyn, to Queen Anna of Merceria."
Anna turned her attention to Alric, who stood, waiting. "Prince Alric, what have you to say about this proposal?"
"I humbly accept this honour," he replied, "and understand it means I will not rule as king."
“I, too, will accept this offer," said Anna. "Let it be known to all that the wedding shall take place one year from today."
"It is so noted," said the Master of Heralds. "Word shall be sent to all corners of the realm to bring news of this joyous event."
Gerald smiled, knowing full well that word had previously been sent. It was likely already posted in Uxley and Burrstoke, the closest towns, and it wouldn't take much longer to reach the far borders of Kingsford and Bodden.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen," announced Anna, "it is time I retire, the better to learn more about my prospective husband."
"This is most improper," called out Lord Stanton. "To be unchaperoned in the company of this… this prince of Weldwyn, cannot be tolerated!"
"Fear not, Lord," said Anna, "for I shall be chaperoned by none other than Lord Matheson."
Stanton backed down, but to Gerald's mind, he looked utterly incensed.
Anna rose, holding out her hand for Gerald. He offered his arm, which she gladly took, then moved towards the door.
Montrose stepped forward, perhaps a little too eagerly and Tempus, ever alert, growled deeply, causing the earl to back up.
Anna turned at the noise. "Is there a problem, Lord Montrose?" she asked.
Once more, he backed down. "No, Majesty," he said.
"Very well," she replied. "Prince Alric, will you accompany us?"
"Very well," said Alric, falling in behind.
They exited the room, Jack and Beverly following. The door closed, and Anna took a deep breath. Turning to face Alric and catching him off guard, she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply. He responded in kind.
