Chronicles of Narnia: The Warrior of Narnia (Completed)

Chapter Six: A King's Coronation

Susan's efforts in that preparation came off splendidly. By the time the coronation party left Beruna for Beaversdam, everything was set. Lord Scythley had managed his part as well and, waiting for them at the outskirts of the city, a convenient rock formation had been transformed into a splendid dais, perfectly suited for the ceremony Susan had planned.
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The sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky on the day of the coronation. Excited crowds waited for the ceremony to begin, Narnians and Telmarines mixing together, a little hesitantly. Then trumpets sounded and the din of the assembled quieted to a hush. The ceremony began as two rows of soldiers, Narnian and Telmarine intermingled, marched down the makeshift aisle that led to the dais. They lined the aisle before snapping to attention in perfect unison.
The hush of the onlookers grew to a low buzz of excitement and astonishment at those who came down next, between the lines of soldiers. Though their own crowns were lost to centuries of war and oppression, there was no mistaking these children for anything of the Four Sovereigns of the Golden Age and the Warrior of Narnia of the Golden Age. Their manner and mien were of royalty, their eyes holding wisdom and knowledge far beyond their youthful appearance. Even the Telmarines, only just beginning to learn the truth of their fairy tales, knew that these were no ordinary children.
They stood as if they were in front of their ancient thrones, the High King Peter and Queen Susan in the middle, with King Edmund and Queen Lucy flanking them on either side while Warrior Nora stood between the four of them. Almost as one, they lifted their heads high, directing their attention, and the attention of the crowd, to the end of the aisle.
There, two figures began their progress forward. One was a great, golden Lion and the other was a dark-haired young man, who looked like his father, but held himself with a pleasant nobility that few of his ancestors ever possessed. The crowd watched in curious anticipation as the two ascended the stone dais. This was already like no coronation in Telmarine history: presided over by the four, legendary royal siblings and their steadfast friend, held outside to be observed by the people.
Caspian faced Aslan and knelt, his head bowed low. It was Aslan who spoke, to Caspian and to all who gathered in the field outside Beaversdam. "To the stars who shine upon two peoples made one, I give you King Caspian the Tenth of Narnia."
Still, excitement grew as an uncomfortable-looking Trumpkin stepped forward, holding the shined and sparkling crown made by both a Red Dwarf blacksmith and a Telmarine blacksmith on a velvet pillow. He bowed towards Caspian before turning to his side, where Cornelius stood. Cornelius nodded at the Red Dwarf before carefully lifting the crown. As Trumpkin stepped back, Cornelius bowed and placed the crown on Caspian's head, where it settled as if it truly belonged there and no where else.
Cornelius withdrew and Aslan smiled at Caspian, who was trying not to tremble with nerves. The love in Aslan's eyes calmed the young king, and Caspian smiled back as Aslan spoke again. "Bear it well, Son of Adam." He walked around Caspian to stand behind him.
Caspian remained on his knees. The people murmured amongst themselves, wandering why he did not rise. Their questions were answered as the High King stepped forward and placed his hand on Caspian's shoulder.
High King Peter's eyes shone with an intense blue as he blessed the new King in his bold, strident voice. "Rule now with justice."
King Edmund stepped forward, his hand joining his older brother's. "Rule now with mercy."
Queen Susan seemed to glide as she approached Caspian, her hand resting softly on his other shoulder. "Rule now with kindness."
Queen Lucy came forward, and her siblings almost seemed to fade compared to the light in her face as her hand joined theirs. "Rule now with faith."
Lastly and unexpectedly, Warrior Nora stepped forward with the fierce confidence and protective aura as the Warrior of Narnia, and she placed her hand on his back. "Rule now with courage."
Their blessings finished, the Four Sovereigns and the Warrior of Narnia all stepped back. That is when Caspian rise to his feet. He stood there for a moment, gaining strength from the encouraging looks of his fellow sovereigns and comrades. Then, taking a deep breath, Caspian turned to face his people.
Almost in the same moment, the High King's golden voice rang out. "Long live King Caspian!"
The crowd erupted as they responded. "Long live King Caspian!" The shouts could be heard, again and again until their voices devolved to inarticulate cries of joy. The new king beamed at this show of support from his people. The Kings and Queens of Old and the Warrior of Old all exchanged grins and smiles, feeling themselves being caught up themselves in the excitement.
It soon ended with a great parade within the village. The sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky on the day of the coronation. Excited crowds waited for the parade to begin. Some girls had decorated the path with colorful flowers. Many Telmarines watched the new King of Narnia and the Narnians, whilst throwing petals of flowers to them. Caspian could be seen riding on Destrier, alongside Aslan. Riding behind them was Peter and Susan, behind them were Edmund and Lucy on their respective horses. Nora was riding on Hope behind the Kings and Queens of Narina, in front of Glenstorm and his family as well as the celebrating Narnians. Nora has become quite close to Glenstorm, Windmane, and their three sons in the last few days. Many of the Narnians have owed Nora their lives to her for her sudden, nighttime rescue after the terrible night raid incident. But Nora was also closest of friends with their late ancestor, Oreius, before she was sent home by Aslan.
"Nora!" She caught sight of young Lily, who was laughing and clapping. Nora chuckled softly at the little girl's bold call and caught Glenstorm's eye knowingly. He smiled at her warmly. When he first rested his eyes on her, he sees the type of person she is; valorous, clever, compassionate, empathetic, and honorable. She's the type of Warrior that Narnia would need.