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Chapter 30

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Even with only a day’s notice, they had come from far and wide.

The passing of an emperor was a once-in-a-lifetime event. And it had been unexpected when Emperor Edvin left them. No one had seen it coming.

Empress Knight of the Huscarn oversaw the throngs passing before the emperor’s body, lying in state. She looked regal, her new gowns flowing and impressive.

Though it was customary to take the name of the family, Aria would stand on her own. In deference to the tradition, however, she added the affection ‘of the Huscarn’ to ease any concern.

Her cabinet was with her, all having given their allegiance to her as they had to the late emperor. Aria Knight now the ruler of the largest nation in the world.

Admiral Orvin had been just as surprised at the news as everyone else, but he had taken well to his instant promotion to High Commander of the Navy. Sergeant Novick had been immediately called up to serve as her personal bodyguard. Her other friends, as time allowed, would be properly rewarded for their loyalty and support.

The emperor had been not just the physical leader of the people, but the spiritual as well. He was the voice of the gods. The Church of the Five Gods had long been the religious base of the Huscarn people, but the devout were few.

Still, the five gods, overseeing the realms of earth, sky, sea, flame, and the stars, had always been represented in the world by the emperor or empress. Over time, the spiritual aspect of the crown had become less important and more a matter of tradition.

Empress Knight of the Huscarn had seen to everything. The mantle of power had been claimed by her in the most unquestionable way possible. The cabinet made it clear to the public that she had secretly been the emperor’s mate and named by him as his successor. The absolute loyalty of his cabinet to Aria made the transition smooth.

This day, they would pass before the late emperor’s body and say farewell.

As the sun began to set, the throngs of people gathered. Aria sat upon the throne. The Imperial vizier stepped up to the the dais to speak.

Lord Modvin’s voice would be amplified by a sorcerous engine that would also record the words spoken this day for posterity to allow all the Huscarn people to hear.

“Citizens of the Empire of Huscarn,” he began, his deep, regal voice silencing the immense crowd. “Our beloved emperor, Edvin Huscarn, son of Dromm Huscarn, has passed into the arms of the five gods. The goddess of sky will breathe eternal life into his soul. The god of land will embody him for all time. The goddess of the sea will flow her energy into his veins until the end of the world. The scion of stars will speak his name to the heavens so all will mourn his passing. And the god of flame will consume his earthly vessel, allowing him to pass whole into their loving hearts.”

He paused a moment, before continuing. “As we mourn the passing of the representative of the five gods on Alagar, we must also celebrate the continuance of the rule of the family Huscarn. I present to you the new voice of the gods, our new leader...Aria Knight, Empress Huscarn. Long live the empress!”

“Long live the empress!” echoed the crowd. “Long live the empress!”

The Imperial vizier gestured to the pulpit, and as Aria arose, he bowed low before her. Everyone attending the funeral and coronation bowed as well.

She moved purposefully, regally, and took his place.

“My subjects, my people, my nation,” Aria began. “It is with a heavy heart that I take up this burden. Emperor Edvin Huscarn was a great man, and the gods have gained an incredible ally in his spirit. I only hope that I may serve you as well as he served you. He will be missed.”

She turned and looked to the emperor’s pyre. “My beloved Edvin, may your journey to the gods be swift and effortless, and may they love you as deeply as I did.”

She gestured, and Lord Lohma, taking up a torch, ignited the emperor’s funeral pyre.

“His body burns, but his soul soars,” intoned Aria.

A voice began. A song of sorrow. The traditional hymn for the passing of the emperor.

His light may be no more upon the world,

but his spirit and soul lives on.

His grandness like a banner be unfurled,

shed your tears now that he is gone.

The fire of his burning give us light,

for that alone shall hold the dark at bay

Let us sing a last praise on this night,

for now, we must send our lord away.

A new representative of the gods comes

Soon we swear allegiance before thee.

A momentary pause before we sound the drums.

We set the lost leader’s soul out free.

Voices of the Huscarn be heard!

Let the world know our grandeur is not through!

Stand all ready, souls be stirred.

We are the empire, we are born again anew!

The voice trailed off as the fires crackled. Emperor Edvin’s body would be consumed.

“Farewell, Emperor Edvin Huscarn,” Aria intoned. “The gods take you unto their bosom and succor you for all time.”

The vizier arose from his place.

“Though we mourn his passing as we watch his Alagarly vessel be consumed, we welcome our new leader. The Huscarn people will be strong and whole, and our new ruler will continue to bring glory to the empire.”

Lord Modvin paused for effect, then continued. “Now, sound the drums in farewell to our Emperor, and in welcome to our new Empress Huscarn. Long live Empress Knight of the Huscarn!”

“Long live Empress Knight of the Huscarn!” the people cried. “Long live Empress Knight of the Huscarn!”

The drums were sounded. Two beats. Pause. Two beats. Pause. Two beats. Pause. Two beats. Pause. Two beats. Pause. Five times to invoke the favor of each of the gods for the new Huscarn ruler.