Cross the stars with me

New Beginnings

Writing up ideas for the sequel and wow its daunting that I'm already there, can you believe I've been writing this for nearly three months? Yeah me neither. 

-Eynal-

Six weeks since it all collapsed, now six days since it all changed beyond my wildest comprehension. In a moment of high drama, my mother had announced her resignation and left without speaking another word, and so what was once Rob's birthright came into my hands.

My claim to that throne came with no experience of ruling, wisely the previous council remained in power having served its predecessor well. To the surprise of none, the kingdom fell into a pit of irresolvable political matters people lost faith after witnessing the hasty exit of their former lady and higher families preyed on the opportunity and tried to wedge a marriage pact into it all.

Purple cloaks of the guard cleared a path through the crowds as I passed into the main hall, ignoring the cries of people demanding an audience as best I could. Dazzled I gazed at the looming chair twice now I had sat in it and still it passed a sense of dread through my bones. Maybe it was the feeling that I had committed a theft against my mother and Rob or maybe it was the pressure of ruling effectively as she would need me to.

I gave a signal to the sentry guarding the door and without a moment's hesitation swarms of people had burst through them as if they were a hellish stream beating against a weak dam. Damn, Rob for dying. I thought sullenly.

The crowd was made up of everyone possible that could need my audience, nobles, the poor, and warriors alike. The line of guards stirred uneasily at the restless horde, of my own councillors there were no more than ten. Sam stood among them smiling broadly he was the only friendly face I could make out; all others would quarrel with me no doubt.

Iduma, the captain of the guard's voice rang out. "All silent! It is the will of Lord Eynal to speak before an audience is heard."

I caught Sam's eye and cleared my throat as silently as I could. "It is my duty to finish what my mother could not, there are rewards owed to those who fought and there are changes made to our council." I drew a long piece of parchment that had been sitting inside the sleeve of my robe.

"Sir Cecilia Brook, Sir Laryn Godfrey, Sir Yosel Heartwine," I called, a soft murmuring went through the crowd as the three stepped forward and kneeled at the foot of the small stone steps. "For your deeds in battle, it is the wish of the council and myself to give you each the position of command over our armies after the unfortunate loss of the three previous commanders."

"You honour us, my lord." They spoke together before bowing curtly and returning to their places.

"It is also my wish to install Lady Helisa as chief councillor in the place of my brother." I paused and bit my tongue at the sudden feeling that hit when I mentioned him.

The muttering came back, this time sadder and heartfelt for those who felt grief at the loss of Rob. The nobles bowed their heads briefly in respect, the crowd behind was growing ever impatient with the slow proceedings some had begun to push forward and try to get some form of attention.

"Lastly," I spoke. "Samuel Lothain, step forward."

Sam had been standing silently, head bowed slightly he had been losing focus evident by his jerking reaction to his name being called, he hastily stepped forward with a confused expression.

"Despite not being one of Amaranth you fought by the side of my people and shielded our backs with your life, the kingdom owes you a debt." my voice was soft as silk when I spoke to him. "For that, I name you a Lord of Amaranth in compensation for the title you gave up to serve us, and for your bravery and honour, as many can testify to, I grant you a seat at my council as my personal advisor."