Treasures - Book 4 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter 28

The day of Luke's coronation drew closer and the soon-to-be-crowned king dispatched Gospel Books and messages to every town and village. He called for a time of prayer and fasting and instructed that the great words from the second book of Chronicles 7:14 be written on each letter: "If God's people, who are called by His Name, shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

The Gospel Books were to be read in all village and town squares. Those who had books in their homes were to read them aloud to their families and households. Each message was closed with the words, "I, Luke Chatelain, King of Frencolia, believe the Words of the Bible to be the only hope for the well-being of this country."

Christians in Frencolia received the messages with great rejoicing. Other citizens, the majority, were happy to accept that the reign of terror was over. 

Compliance with King Luke Chatelain's requests posed little problem. King Leopold had squeezed; often in underhand, dishonest ways, to get money even from the poorest of the poor. The people were ready to accept a new king, though young, who would rule with kindness and honesty, even though he was 'religious'. Those who would have violently opposed Luke and his Christian beliefs had left the country with Elliad.

Knights loyal to the exile had left manor houses empty. Luke planned to allocate these to needy families. There was much to be done to restore the kingdom to sensible law and order.

The new king's coronation was to be a great time of public celebration and festivity, a triumph for Frencolia.

Luke rehearsed the coronation ceremony; every movement and word was repeated until Luke felt comfortable and relaxed. The crown and scepter were retrieved from the secret cavity under the dais step. Dorai was thankful that Elliad had not got his hands on those priceless items.

The day was clear and beautiful, an early taste of summer.

Special coronation robes, and a deep green satin cloak embroidered with gold, edged with ermine, had been prepared for Luke to wear, but these served only to make him apprehensive.

For the first time since his acceptance at the knights' tower near Mayhew, Luke had doubts. He was barely sixteen. Was he doing the right thing? What right did he, Luke, son of Chatelain of Chanoine, have to the throne of Frencolia? Did God want him to be king in Frencolia? Luke needed someone to talk with.

The boy-king had fasted for the past three days, and Sabin tried to encourage him to eat something to sustain him before the pressure of this great day fell.

The servant entered the suite where Luke was deep in contemplation, worrying about the day ahead.

"Sabin, I have grave fears. I do not know if I can go through with the coronation with all the reservations I have." Sabin stared at him. Luke continued, "I have no one I can talk with. If only Father..." he gestured helplessly, closing his eyes, trying to control his emotions.

Sabin spoke with reassurance, "Luke, my master's son. Remember the words your father quoted so often: 'God removes kings and sets up kings', also, 'By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.' If your father was here today, he would agree that God's hand is in your coming to the throne of Frencolia to be crowned king. This is none of man's doing. This is not your doing, Luke. Even apart from the seal, you are the nearest heir to the throne. The plan is God's. Your fears are not from God. You must seek God's strength to triumph over your fears. Did not Jobyna write that if we trust God, there are no mistakes, only appointments? If this is true, then your coronation today is an appointment set by God!"

Luke sat with his head bowed unable to hold back his tears. These were the words he needed to hear.

After a while, he said, "I must pray for strength from the Lord God, and not depend upon myself."

Sabin waited while Luke prayed silently.

To the servant's great surprise, Luke rose, put his arms around him, and hugged him close. "Hold me, Sabin, like Father would have. I needed that counsel. Thank you for your help. Please be there when I need you. The task to rule our kingdom weighs heavily upon me and I cannot do it alone."

Sabin returned Luke's hug, saying, "I will be here for you, I promise. As God gives me each breath, I will serve you all the days of my life."

It was a moment that would stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Luke was crowned King Luke Chatelain of the Kingdom of Frencolia that day. The pomp and ceremony were secondary to the thoughts in Luke's mind. He thought of his father who had quoted the words in the Gospel Book, that God was the One who appointed kings. This is an appointment from God and I must pray that I will be a good king, worthy of this honor and capable of this great task...

As Luke walked from the royal suite, along the corridors, through the royal reception room and into the throne room, all lined with kneeling knights, barons, dukes and officials, he allowed Jobyna's words to run through his mind. "This, today, is an appointment from God. God is in control." He walked up the steps of the dais and turned. As he had rehearsed, he stood for a moment and then sat.

The scepter, then the crown were handed by Dorai to the five lords and each held them for a while, publicly giving Luke their blessing and pledge of support. Lord Farey, after kissing the scepter gave it to Luke and then placed the crown on the king's head. Officially, Luke Chatelain was now king of Frencolia.

All the officials knelt before him and Lord Farey declared, "God bless King Luke Chatelain, King of Frencolia. Long may he reign."

Everyone else in the throne room proclaimed, "God bless King Luke Chatelain." The cry was reiterated down the hall, in through the reception room, out in the castle courtyard, and the cheering of the people outside the castle gates was as loud as thunder.

When the noise died down somewhat, Luke stood by the great throne for a moment and then knelt.

Words he had memorized from the book of 1st Chronicles 29:11-13 were fervently quoted by the new king of Frencolia: "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine. Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of Thee, and Thou reignest over all; and in Thine Hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious Name."

Luke rose and walked down the steps, out of the throne room, through the reception room, out of the castle and into the courtyard. He mounted the horse held ready for him, Sabin and Dorai at either side with Loran and Granville, on foot, walking beside this trio with their eyes on the crowds. The five lords followed and then the senior knights.

The procession rode through the soldier-lined streets of Frencberg, around the square, and back to Kings Castle. The excited shouts of kudos were deafening. Luke had a hard job keeping his horse calm; the crown almost fell off his head once as his horse shied.

Finally, the procession returned to relative calm within the castle walls. Luke beheld the celebration dinner set out in the great courtyard. The lords sat at the table with Luke, under a great canopy. The senior knights sat at another table close by. Everyone else stood to eat. Never before had Luke seen such a feast.

It was a day never to be forgotten.

There was triumph in Frencolia.