Peacebringer

Chapter Fifty - the Coronation

The morning of the coronation, Asha felt like she was in a fog again. It didn't feel real, like she was still asleep.

She sat on the edge of her bed, just staring out the window. It was definitely fall, with the leaves of the trees surrounding the castle a blaze of color. It must have been windy too, because Asha could see the tree tops swaying in the wind. Even though the thick castle walls and windows, it felt cold. She was going to need to find some warmer sleeping clothes.

She was still camped out in Valda's old room, but she was starting to think she should stay there. If felt homey, and she liked the reminders of her. It was better than a room that had been left for a baby.

The coronation gown was hanging on a hook on her wall, ablaze with colorful velvet. The long train of the dress really did look like feathery flames. It was very appropriate for the Phoenix Queen.

She slid it on carefully, not wanting to tear it before she had even worn it. A few crowns had also been brought up from the treasury. There was a huge gold one with white diamonds, a silver tiara, and a bronze circlet adorned with rubies.

Asha gave all of a thorough examination before selecting the bronze circlet. It had long trailing chains that went down around her ears towards her shoulders. She liked the sound they made when she turned her head.

She turned to look at herself in Valda's mirror, and she did feel proud. She looked very royal, but still very much like herself. The circlet helped her maintain her usual appearance after all the woven headbands. The dress had been made perfectly for her. It wasn't too gaudy, and it was just the right amount of elegant. The deep red velvet brought out the rubies in the circlet.

She was ready.

She walked down to the grand entryway, where everyone was waiting for her. She let herself enjoy her slow descent down the long staircase, feeling everyone's eyes on her, Havi's especially. The only one she didn't see was Finn, but she supposed he could be outside with everyone else.

After the inevitable compliments and awkward small talk, one of the guards told her that everyone outside was ready for her.

In front of the castle's main door was a large courtyard where people from all over Karda had come to gather. Asha had even heard that they had sent scribes all the way from Sayreen, ready to copy down the words of her first address as Queen. They had set up a podium for her to speak from, even though she didn't have any notes. She had practiced what she was going to say so many times that she didn't need them. After last night, she had even more encouraging words to say.

She stepped up to the podium, Havi at her side ready to project her voice with his wind spinning. She nodded at him to signal that she was starting.

"Greetings, people of Karda." She spoke clearly and loudly. She almost didn't need Havi's help. "I come forward to speak to you in a time of transition. The war on magic in Karda is over!"

Cheering erupted from the crowd.

"However, times of peace are not yet here. We have to fight against creatures that have been plaguing Karda for years. We have had a resurgence of the phobophages."

Here there were gasps, and some confused looks. Phobophages were not something that was common knowledge.

"Phobophages are creatures out of the dark ages that feed on fear," Asha calmly explained. "But do not think this means all is lost. Although the battles ahead may be difficult, we still have hope." She paused, surveying the crowd. Their faces looked worried and scared.

"There is a prophecy that foretells of a more peaceful time to come, and my taking of the throne is the first step. Peace will come to Karda." Asha looked into the crowd, but still didn't see Finn. She did manage to spot Mr. Seeyerto, who gave a small wave.

"I know that my father was not an ideal ruler near the end of his reign, but I promise to govern Karda with grace, strength, and stability, as he did before the phobophages. While I cannot completely excuse his actions, I want to remind you that fear can make the worst out of all of us. So I ask you, people of Karda, to be brave with me, and help bring us into a future of peace. I know that Gairadon and Valda would have wanted it."

Rone stepped forward and began to speak. "It is with the greatest and highest honor, that I present to you on her coronation, QUEEN ASHA."

Now the cheers erupted even louder than they had before. Asha gave a small bow and descended from the podium, turning to chat with Havi as the crowd started to dissipate. However, one figure came running up from within the crowd of scribes.

"ASHA! Your Highness," Seeyerto bowed, his purple cloak trailing on the ground.

"Mr. Seeyerto, what a surprise!" Asha exclaimed.

"I wanted to explain something, if I may." He looked rather anxious.

"Go on..."

"It was I who hid the prophecy for so many years. I stole it from the King's court when I saw things starting to get worse." Seeyerto fiddled with the end of his purple sleeve. "I was supposed to give it to a resistance member and I lost it."

"Well, it has been found now, and that's all that matters." Asha smiled kindly.

"And I quite agree with your interpretation. You do fit the first line very well if I do say so myself. Feel free to stay in contact. I did research the peacebringer prophecy for fifteen years, and would be happy to be of service to you." Seeyerto gave another small bow.

"I am sure we will be contacting you when things have settled down a little," Asha chuckled. Seeyerto bowed again and again as he walked away. He seemed overjoyed, which made sense considering he was a wizard who had been living in hiding for years. Asha turned to Havi as soon as he disappeared back into the crowd.

"Where's Finn? I thought he would be with you this morning?" She asked.

"He was...he said he went to go find you before the coronation. He had something to tell you." Havi looked worried.

"Well he never found me, I wonder where he is." They both hastened into the castle, leaving all the frivolity of the coronation behind them.