Swan Song

Epilogue

  Anike stood slightly bowed as the gold crown was placed on her head. It was made for her, crafted of gold and diamonds, the center in the shape of a swan as was as was traditional for her family. She was nervous and prayed not to sweat, as Julia Rumbel had advised her that a queen never did. So many silly rules about how she was supposed to carry herself. She wasn't sure if she could be a queen like that; calm, regal, back straight, never sweating or blowing her nose in public, but she would do her best and always tried to do what was right for the kingdom. The crown was a little heavy, but she reminded herself that she had people to help her hold her head high.

  "By blood rite you are heir to this land. But it is more than blood that proclaims a king or queen," Arch-Astroman Artemis announced, "You must lead with grace and civility. You must see to the people's needs. You must choose what is best for Wyttfeather and if you do not know the answer and there will be times when you do not, you must seek council. You must be brave, strong, wise and yet humble. It is much to ask. But I have confidence in you." He declared. He'd been there to coronate her parents and when she was born to bless her. Under the curse as Odessa's tutor he had admired her intelligence, kindness and loyalty. The words he spoke were said to many kings and queens before her, but he truly had confidence in her as he'd had in her father. "Will you do this?" He asked at last.

  Anike lifted her head, looking him in the eye. "I will."

  "Then, before the eyes of the people, with the blessing of the Mighty One and the Stars of Ages, and by the power vested in me I proclaim you queen. Rise."

  Anike's did as the Arch-Astroman said then turned around holding the Sceptre and Royal Orb. "People of Wyttfeather, I give you, Anike Odette Regina Esmeralda DeSwan, Queen of Wyttfeather." As she practiced she raised the Sceptre and held the Orb out careful not to get the Sceptre caught on her cape or gown and careful not to let the Orb drop and roll away. She'd done that a few times during rehearsal.

  An applause erupted among the crowd. Anike smiled, glad she managed to do it right, but even happier seeing Roan and his friends, Madam Rumbel, Salma and Rebecca in the front. She only wished Odessa could be there.

  Anike didn't have time to dwell on the negatives though as the celebration began. After replacing the Sceptre and Royal Orb she lead the procession outside.

  There was music and dancing, food and drink, mischief and laughter as the party went well into the night. The DeSwan's children even put on a beautiful dance in honor of their parents coming home thanks to their new queen. It was perhaps one of the greatest festivals the Sphere had seen, certainly the most wonderful in Wyttfeather in recent years.

***

  "Are you sure my friend?" Roan said to Malachi. It had been a few weeks since Anike's coronation. They were out by the lake watching the swans. Anike was fighting with one of her guardsmen for a crust of bread Calvin had thrown them. Roan sighed, even after he told Calvin not to tease them. He didn't learn. They remembered the events of the day and would get him for it later.

  "I'm positive." Malachi replied bringing Roan back to their conversation. "There must be a way to break Odessa's curse. If anyone knows it's Merlin. I will find him."

  "But the trip is dangerous. Few have ever returned from the west of the Sphere and the tales they tell are not for the faint of heart."

  "I've heard the stories. But time is of the essence. I didn't want to tell Anike or Odessa's mother just yet, I didn't want them to worry, but Odessa's condition is growing worse. Madam Rumbel's protection charm didn't change the effects of DeKnave's curse. It only slowed them down. It's a powerful curse Roan. The most powerful I've ever seen, heard of or even read about. It was a miracle the spindle managed to delay it, but it is coming. I've been researching and looked her over. She'll be solid stone and dead within a year."