Anna sat looking over her advisors, her gaze finally settling on her oldest friend. "Gerald, where would you like to start?"
"The coronation is in three weeks," he said, "and I'm concerned we have too few troops to guard you during the procession. Are you sure I can't convince you to hold it here, at the Palace?"
"The Sovereigns of Merceria have always been crowned in a cathedral," said Anna. "I can't go against tradition on this, or my rule will be seen as illegitimate."
"Then what if we take you directly there," he suggested, "without the entire procession marching through the streets of Wincaster?"
"And have people say I skulked?" declared Anna. "No, I must be seen by the commoners. I shall not show weakness."
"I'm more concerned with keeping you alive, Anna. These are still dangerous times."
"We simply need more troops," said Anna.
"Yes," agreed Gerald, "but from where? We have little in the way of funds."
It was Hayley that supplied the answer. "What about the Orcs?" she asked.
"What about them?" said Gerald. "They're mostly up in Hawksburg."
"That's not quite true," corrected Hayley, "I've had a large number of them training new rangers."
"You have?" Gerald asked in surprise. "Why wasn't I informed?"
"They come under the command of the Queen's Rangers," defended Hayley, "and, as such, they only fall under your command during times of war."
"Or special occasions," corrected Gerald. "Just how many of these Orcs are there?"
The ranger smiled before answering, "Close to one hundred. I've had them staying just north of the city."
"I don't understand," added Aubrey, "I thought we were short on funds."
"We are," said Anna.
"Then why are we training rangers?"
"I had to dismiss quite a few," said Hayley. "They proved to be... difficult."
"Then who's been patrolling the king's roads?" asked Aubrey.
"The queen's roads," corrected Hayley, "and they've been patrolled by Orcs and Elves."
"I thought all the Elves went home?" said Aubrey.
"They did," answered Anna, “but Telethial returned with her archers. They've been helping out with Hayley's duties."
"Does that mean we can call on them for help with the coronation?" asked Beverly. "I'm a little hesitant to use the Knights of the Sword to guard Her Highness, and with the Guard Cavalry up north, we have little left."
"Might I suggest," offered Prince Alric, "that the men of Weldwyn be allowed to assist?"
"Putting Weldwyn troops in the parade might be seen as a foreign influence at court, Highness," warned Arnim.
"They could be used for crowd control," suggested Alric. "They wouldn't necessarily be accompanying the princess."
"I think it a grand idea," said Anna, "and I'd also like Prince Alric to be riding with me, along with Gerald, of course."
"Do you think that wise?" asked Arnim. "Your political enemies may see it as a challenge. They'll use it against you."
"Soon, it won't matter," said Anna. "They can make of it what they will. Once I put through my reforms, we'll announce our engagement, and it'll be out in the open."
"So you've decided to take control of the Nobles Council?" asked Hayley.
"I have," said Anna. "With the goodwill that comes from the celebration of my crowning, I'll appoint new nobles and hold a vote. I expect to have these matters settled by the end of the week."
"That soon?" said Alric. "Are you sure that's not moving too fast?"
"Yes, I'm sure," said Anna. "Once the Royal Engagement is announced, we can start moving towards a permanent alliance with Weldwyn. That will help immensely."
"And when is the wedding to be?" asked Beverly.
"A year after the engagement is announced," said Anna.
"It's a Weldwyn custom," explained Alric, "and both my parents will want to be here for the wedding."
"A Royal Visit?" said Jack in surprise. "Has that ever been done before?"
"Not from a reigning monarch," said Anna. "In fact, until I visited Weldwyn, no royal from either country had visited the other."
"A truly monumental occasion to be sure," said Jack.
"Yes," agreed Gerald, "and one that will require a lot of planning."
"Let's get through the coronation first, shall we?" said Anna.
"Yes," agreed Gerald, "then we'll all have to refer to you as Your Majesty."
"I'll always be Anna to you, Gerald," said the princess.
Gerald laughed.
"What's so funny?" asked Anna.
"You always said you'd be a mighty warrior queen, do you remember?"
She smiled. "I seem to remember warrior princess, but then again, I said I'd make Tempus a duke." She petted the great mastiff's head, and Tempus let out a giant yawn then lay back down.
"I'll leave the final arrangements to Gerald and Beverly," said Anna, "but make sure Aubrey is close by, in case of any trouble."
"What about Revi," asked Gerald, "where is he?"
"Studying the flame at Uxley again," said Hayley. "He says he's close to unlocking something."
"Again?" said Gerald. "I thought he'd finished with all of that?”
"No," said Hayley. "He's convinced there's more to these portals than ever before."
"Why would he say that?" asked Anna.
"The runes," added Aubrey. "He says there are too many runes at the site of the flames."
"Too many?" said Gerald.
"Yes," continued the Life Mage. "There are runes that we don't use to open the gates, indicating the others may serve a purpose we don't, as yet, understand."
"As fascinating as that is," said Anna, "we have more important things to see to. Now, I have to get back to Sophie for the final fitting of my coronation dress."
"Very well," said Gerald, "I'll let you know when we have everything settled here."
Alric climbed into the carriage. As a royal, he was second only to Princess Anna, though technically he was third if you included Tempus. The great dog lay at Anna's feet, and Alric had to step over him before sitting to face the princess. Gerald climbed in next and sat beside Alric, while Sophie took her place next to Anna.
The young prince gazed across at Anna, taking her in. "You look stunning today," he said.
"Thank you, Alric," she said, blushing slightly, "and may I say you cut a fine figure this day as well?"
"I'm surprised to see you wearing your sword," added Alric.
"Wouldn't you expect a king to wear a sword?" asked Gerald.
"Yes, of course," the young man replied.
"Then why not a queen? We are a warrior culture, after all."
"Yes, I suppose you are," agreed Alric. "I hadn't thought of it that way. Where did you get that sword from, anyway?"
"It was a gift," said Anna, "from Herdwin to Gerald's daughter."
"Gerald's daughter?" said Alric in surprise.
"Yes, me, silly," she continued. "When I was much younger, Gerald and I travelled to Wincaster and went out on the town incognito. I was posing as his daughter, it was great fun."
"I'm afraid we couldn't do that now," said Gerald, "you're too well known."
"And well-liked," added Alric. "From what I've heard, the commoners love you. You truly are the people's princess."
"Not after today," said Anna. "Now, I'll be the people's queen."
A group of horsemen took up their station around the carriage. Anna looked at them in surprise, for they were wearing the livery of Merceria, and yet she didn't recognize any of them.
"How do you like your guard?" asked Gerald, a grin breaking across his features.
"Who are they?" she asked. "I don't think I've seen them before."
"You have,” said Alric, "but usually they're wearing the blue of Weldwyn."
Anna turned to Gerald in surprise, "You put Weldwyn troops around us?"
"Relax," said Gerald, "they're actually Alric's personal guard. It was his idea to dress them in Mercerian colours. The crowd won't know the difference, and they're likely to be more trustworthy than Knights of the Sword."
"I suppose that means we're breaking with tradition today," mused Anna.
"Let's just say we're making some adjustments," said Gerald. “Our current situation is very different than it was back in your ancestors’ time.”
"I'm excited for you, Anna," said Alric. "I've never seen a coronation before. My father was crowned long before I was born."
"I expect it'll be quite dull," said Anna, "with lots of speeches and droning on by the Holy Father."
"It'll be anything but dull with you," said Alric, reaching forward and gently squeezing her hand. "Are you nervous?"
"Not really nervous," she confessed, "but eager to be on with it. Where's Beverly?"
"She'll be along shortly," said Gerald. "She's commanding the escort, aside from the prince's group, that is. They'll be under the command of Jack."
"And the rest of my family?" she asked.
"Hayley's up on the rooftops with the Orcs, she'll join us at the Cathedral after we've arrived. Aubrey will be in the carriage just behind us, along with Arnim and Nikki."
"What about Revi," she said, "or is he too busy with his studies?"
"He's waiting at the cathedral," said Gerald. "Unfortunately, given the troubles in the north, Baron Fitzwilliam couldn't make it, but he sends his regards and best wishes. He promises to hold a celebration in Bodden in recognition of your crowning."
"We've also arranged a little surprise for you," added Alric, peering towards the Palace.
They all turned their heads to see Beverly emerge from the building. She made her way to Lightning and mounted in one smooth action. Trotting forward, she saluted the princess and her entourage with her sword, and then took her place at the head of the column, nodding to a nearby herald.
Horns blared, announcing the beginning of the procession. Anna watched as troops took up positions by the gates to the Palace. The gates were opened wide to reveal a small army formed up beyond. At the head of the procession were a dozen Trolls, led by their leader, Tog.
Behind them, Elves lined up under the command of Telethial, each archer with their Elven bows strung and in hand. Next, stood two dozen Dwarves, their chainmail dark despite the morning sun.
Just beyond the gate, following the Dwarves, were a dozen Kurathian horsemen, carrying the standard of Merceria.
"An impressive sight," said Anna, "and a wonderful surprise. You've outdone yourself, Gerald."
"It wasn't all me," the marshal replied, "everyone wanted to be a part of this day. We might not have a full complement of troops in Wincaster, but we can still put on a good show."
The troops began moving at a sedate pace. Anna watched the procession head down the street, and then the Royal Carriage rolled forward, taking up its position.
Anna gripped Sophie's hand, "Isn't this exciting?"
"It is, Highness," said the maid, "but I still don't understand why I'm here?"
"You're my friend, Sophie, and you helped put me here."
"I did?" she said in surprise.
"Of course," Anna continued, "you all did. It was your devotion and support that made me what I am today. Without you, I wouldn't be here."
"Yes," agreed Gerald, "and if it hadn't been for you, Sophie, I might not be alive."
"Why would you say that?" the maid asked.
"Do you remember when I was badly injured by bandits?"
"I do," she said, "what of it?"
"I seem to recall the other servants not heeding Anna's instructions. It was you that took matters into hand. That was the day you endeared yourself to the princess."
"I was just doing my job," Sophie defended.
"You did more than that," said Anna, "and you're part of my family now!"
The carriage passed through the gate and onto the promenade. The streets were lined by crowds, held back by guards at regular intervals.
A sound erupted as they made their way south, starting as one or two people calling out, then soon become a deafening roar. Anna looked about in surprise to see hundreds of commoners waving and cheering them as they passed.
"What do you think, Gerald?" asked Alric. "Do the people of Merceria love their princess?"
Gerald grinned, "They do indeed, Your Highness."
"I wonder how they'll feel when I start making changes?” pondered Anna.
"I somehow doubt they'll change their minds," the prince replied. "People want someone to believe in. Someone who'll make a difference, and you've promised them that."
"I know," she said, "but now I have to follow through with my promises."
"You will," said Alric.
"I know," she agreed, "and I should have known better all along."
"What do you mean?" asked the prince.
"I've always known things will be all right when Gerald and I are together. I lost sight of that when I made him Duke of Wincaster. I should have kept him close."
"I'm here now, Anna," offered Gerald.
The procession rounded the corner, heading west. They were nearing the location where, years before, an attempt had been made on Princess Margaret’s life.
Gerald looked instinctively to the rooftops to see a pair of Orcs watching the events below.
"We're safe," assured Alric. "Dame Hayley has things under control."
"Lady Hayley now," corrected Anna.
"It's strange to think how different things have become," mused Gerald. "When I first met you, you were a little girl with dirty feet and matted hair, do you remember?"
"I do," said Anna, with a grin. "I wash my feet every day now, and Sophie makes sure my hair is kept nicely brushed."
"Not an easy task," added Sophie, "it tangles so quickly."
Alric turned to look towards the head of the column. "How long is this route we're taking?" he asked.
"A while yet," said Gerald, "though we'll be turning north soon, then you'll see the cathedral."
"You said you've never witnessed a coronation," said Anna, "but surely, you must be familiar with traditions in Weldwyn regarding it?"
"I am," Alric admitted, "though they're much less a spectacle than what you have here."
"We're a warrior culture," said Anna, "and a coronation is a chance to project that strength."
"I can see why you worship Saxnor," said Alric. "The God of strength suits you, as a people. I'm glad you're on our side."
"So am I," Anna replied, blushing slightly.
Sitting in the carriage, they watched the crowds erupt into cheers as they rolled by. Anna even waved at one point, sending the commoners into a frenzy of activity. The noise grew even louder, causing the young princess to break out in a broad smile.
Soon enough, the procession turned north, and the cathedral loomed into sight, its pure white stone and large dome dominating the buildings around it.
Soldiers were lined up in front, keeping the crowds at bay. When the carriage rolled to a stop, a servant rushed forward to place a stool. As they had agreed, Gerald exited first, taking up station to the right side while Alric, following, moved left.
Anna descended next, stepping forward to be flanked by the other two, and then paused while Tempus and Sophie brought up the rear.
By this time, Dame Beverly had appeared, and presented herself before the princess, saluting with her sword, then turned to lead the group towards the great doors of the cathedral. These stood open, the sunlight streaming into the room beyond.
They entered the atrium, pausing a moment as Sophie made a final check of the princess's dress. The maid took up her position behind Anna once more, nodding to Beverly, who knocked on the inner door with the hilt of her sword.
The door opened to reveal a Holy Father.
"Who wishes to enter the Holy Sanctuary of Saxnor?" he formally asked.
"Princess Anna, rightful heir and ruler of Merceria," answered Beverly.
The Holy Father bowed deeply, stepping to the side. "We are honoured and blessed by your presence," he said.
They began moving once more, but as they crossed the threshold, Alric fell back to join Sophie. These two would not be participating any further in the ceremony and would soon take their seats.
Anna held onto Gerald's arm as they made their way down the nave. The place was packed to the left and right with the well-to-do. Above them, looking down on the procession, was a balcony full of well-wishers, mostly commoners with a smattering of guards to keep things orderly.
Before them stood the Bishop-Supreme of Saxnor, who would conduct the ceremony. He waited by the warrior's throne, the same seat that had been used to take the oath of office. As they approached the front, Gerald halted, and Anna released his arm, moving to stand in front of the officiant. Tempus moved up beside her, causing a stir amongst the crowd, but he seemed to realize the solemnity of the occasion, and merely stayed by her side. The Bishop-Supreme gave a blessing, and then Anna moved towards the throne, turning to stand with it behind her so that she faced the crowd.
Alric and Sophie had taken their seats up front, and Gerald quickly joined them. No sooner had he sat than the Bishop-Supreme called everyone to their feet. Once more words flowed from his mouth, this time extolling the virtues of honesty, integrity and strength, the prime characteristics of Saxnor himself.
Gerald stood in mute silence as a hymn was sung. It was not that he had any objection to it, but his life experience had never prepared him for such an act. To him, religion was a private thing between a man and his God, not this strange public display of devotion.
The song completed, the audience held their breath as a choir of children began to sing, the sound drifting through the halls of the cathedral, to echo back and forth, filling the room with its resonance.
Afterwards, a small mat was placed before Anna, and she knelt upon it, waiting. Two Holy Brothers carried out pillows that bore a ceremonial sword and shield, symbols of the power and might of the Royal Line.
Anna took these, holding them easily and with skill, no doubt mentally thanking Gerald for his training all those years ago. She looked every bit the warrior queen as she knelt there, staring out into the crowd, her face a mask of calmness.
Finally came the last item of all, the warrior's crown. It was fashioned long ago, a simple iron ring, unadorned with gold or jewels and yet somehow projecting great power. This was no flight of fancy, but a crown to be worn in battle.
The Bishop-Supreme held it over Anna's head, reciting the ancient words that had been uttered down through the centuries.
"We do, by Holy Right, charge you to uphold the laws and protect the people that inhabit this kingdom of Merceria, and to keep this land free from all enemies. Do you accept this sacred responsibility?"
"I do," uttered Anna, in a clear and commanding voice.
"Then I do, by these acts, make thee sovereign ruler of Merceria," he added, placing the crown upon her head. He moved to the side, turning to the crowd.
"I present to you, Her Majesty, Queen Anna of Merceria. Long may she reign."
Horns sounded, and then a great cheer went up from the crowd. It reverberated throughout the entire room until Gerald thought he might go deaf.
Anna bowed her head, the last act of supplication a new Mercerian monarch would ever make. It was said that a king, or in this case a queen, was bowing to Saxnor, but Gerald thought the real reason for the bow was to acknowledge the commoners, for, without them, there would be no crown. She stood up and stepped back, taking her rightful seat upon the throne of Merceria.
The choir began anew, calling on Saxnor himself to shower their new monarch with his blessing. When they finished, Anna rose, and the room fell back into silence as horns sounded, announcing her departure. She proceeded back down the nave, pausing only long enough for Gerald to make his way to her. He bowed deeply, then took up a position behind her, along with Alric. Only Tempus remained at her side, barking loudly as the trumpets reached their crescendo. When they finally entered the atrium, Anna handed over the sword and shield to a servant.
She turned briefly to Sophie, who rushed forward to adjust the crown, which had started to drop down over her eyes. Her task complete, the maid fell in behind, and they all exited the cathedral, Anna once again leading.
Another blare of horns sounded, filling the open air with their sound. Those assembled outside cheered yet again, and Anna halted, waving at her subjects before continuing to the waiting carriage. The queen climbed in first, with Tempus hot on her heels, taking up his customary position at her feet. Alric entered next, and then Gerald invited Sophie to take her seat, before joining them. He sat back, letting the padded chair engulf him, a far cry from the wooden benches of the cathedral.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty," said Gerald.
"Thank you," Anna replied, "but in private, I'd still like you to just call me Anna." She turned to Alric, "What did you think?"
"A strange ceremony, to be sure," said the young prince, "although I had expected it to take longer."
"The first such coronation took place on the field of battle," said Anna, "and the king was in a hurry to defeat his enemies. They've been short ever since."
"I wish Weldwyn had the same idea," mused Alric. "All of our ceremonies seem to take forever. I remember when my brother, Alstan, was married, the ceremony took the better part of an entire day. I can tell you I was exhausted by the end."
"Luckily, my coronation was short and sweet," said Anna. "Though I suppose we'll have to start thinking about a Royal Wedding soon enough."
"I suppose we will," grinned Alric, "but that's some time off yet."
The carriage rolled forward, starting the long procession back to the Palace.
"Do you feel any different, Your Majesty?" asked Alric.
"Yes, and no," replied Anna. "It certainly feels good to have it over and done with. I suppose it will take some getting used to being called Majesty all the time, but I don't feel any different."
"That's because you're not," offered Gerald. "You're the same old Anna inside, that's the important thing."
"Yes," agreed Alric, "and don't let it get to you this time. Remember, you and Gerald are a team."
"And you," added Anna.
"Eventually," agreed Alric, "but there's still been no official announcement."
"I'm sure people realize it by now," said Anna. "You were, after all, travelling in my carriage."
"Yes," Alric agreed, "but you need to push through your reforms before we announce anything. You don't want to risk losing any votes in the Nobles Council."
Anna removed the crown, rubbing her head slightly. "This thing's heavier than it looks."
Gerald laughed, "You know, you don't have to wear it, other than today."
"I don't mind wearing it," said Anna. "It will remind me of the weight of responsibility that I bear, but I wouldn't mind having it sized properly."
"Perhaps a cap could be inserted, Your Majesty?" suggested Sophie. "It would lessen the burden."
"A marvellous idea, Sophie," Anna agreed, "and one we'll have to look at in future. I'll just have to tough it out for today."
"I suppose I understand the need for the long procession on the way to the cathedral," mused Alric, "but do we have to repeat the same journey in reverse? Surely, there's a shorter route we could take?"
"There is," said Gerald, "but the throne needs to be moved back to the Palace, so it's there upon our return. It wouldn't do to get back and have nowhere for the sovereign to sit."
"I hadn't thought of that," said Alric.
"That's all right," said Anna, "that's what we have Gerald here for."
Lord Montrose watched as the queen's carriage pulled away.
"It appears," offered Lord Barrington, "that our plans have come to naught."
"Be patient," offered Montrose, "there are yet things we can do. We might have failed to pry the old man away from her, but more direct action may be successful where guile has failed."
"Meaning?" said Barrington.
"Meaning that we can lose a battle, but still win the war."
"What about the north?" asked Barrington. "I thought that Fitzwilliam woman was supposed to go there, and yet I saw her leading the procession today."
"That was unforeseen," said Montrose defensively. "It seems they sent someone else to command the northern frontier."
"Who?"
"A traitorous dog named Heward," spat out Montrose.
"He was one of yours, wasn't he?" asked his companion.
"He was," growled out the earl.
"What are we to do now?" asked Barrington.
"Why, enjoy the festivities. The queen is hosting us at the Palace. Eat, drink, enjoy yourself. We need to be seen as gracious and happy with the way things have turned out."
"And then?"
"Then we will let the situation develop naturally," said Montrose.