Steel Wolf

A Letter from Home

"HEALER!" Tanaya screamed.

As one, Privates Nix and Baknel hearing the shout, tackled the messenger to the floor, twisting his arms so his hands were between his shoulder blades. A rope was quickly produced from Nix's belt pouch, the hapless courier bound hand to foot and dragged down the passageway. Jarana bolted into the room just as Serenna was being helped up by Tanaya. Battlemage was Jarana's chosen field, but she knew many healing and other beneficial spells. The catches on Serenna's helmet were flipped, Tanaya removing it and placing it in the princess' lap. It was absorbed by the rest of the armor, flowing back into the pouch at the young woman's throat.

Jarana placed a hand to either side of Serenna's head to assess the nature of the distress, all the while looking deeply into the princess' brown eyes. The woman/girl hitched a breath, letting an uncontrolled moan escape her lips, tears flowing down her cheeks.

Tanaya picked up the rolled message, flattening it on a nearby table.

-o0o-

Queen Serenna Newlander,

It is with tremendous regret and terrible sorrow that we inform you of the death of your father, King Harold Newlander.

Under Article 3 of the Constitution, you are to be sworn forthwith and assume the duties of Queen Regnant for this Commonwealth. Amendment 2 of this Article states that you are to make haste and proceed forthwith to the current capital city of Pathwood Keep.

Under Article 53 of the Constitution, the former King's Guard shall now be known as the Queen's Guard. Amendment 1 of this Article makes a distinction between King's (sic) and Royal Guard. Amendment 2 of this Article transfers power from Royal Guard to Queen's Guard.

Under Article 71, any contingent of either King's Guard (sic) or Royal Guard who, either by design or accident, becomes separated without abandonment from the respective charge shall be placed under regular military authority until reunited with the person under their care. Amendment 16 of this Article states that the troop commander on scene shall remain in command until the Ruler arrives at the Capitol, or command is voluntarily relinquished.

Under Article 95, any carriage or vessel, at the Ruler's discretion, may be seized to become a Royal conveyance until or unless said Ruler reaches a place of safety. Amendment 2 of this Article states that said conveyance is to revert to the rightful owner at that time.

Again, Majesty, please allow the Royal Ministry to express its deepest condolences.

We await your arrival.

Your Servant,

Jarn Barthay, Prime Minister

-o0o-

Tanaya moved to the open door, raising her faceplate.

"Nix, Baknel. Let the courier up. Treat any injuries he may have sustained with apologies. Let word spread that we are now Queen's Guards. The King is dead. Long live the Queen."

She spun on her heel, removing her helm, kneeling before the new queen. Those in the passageway knelt likewise.

"Majesty. We are your servants. Unto Death."