Chapter 66: The coronation (1)
1013 AF Fallmonth
Day 72
It was fall already and the winter had ended but it is still cold like winter and Death still come reaping.
When Arial had first suggested to Adrian his plan of making him King, Adrian was hesitant of the ideas and wanted to find other way.
It had taken him two weeks to rise from his bed after the shock of the slaughter. He still can't have believed the extent that his older brother would go for power
Arial had had to explain how much stronger their side would become with Adrian as King before he agreed.
When asked who suggested the idea, Arial of course mentioned that it was his father that thought of the idea. Arial knew no one would believe it if he says that he was the one who suggested the idea.
It is controversial and might even lower the lords trust toward the plans. And Arial did not need more objection in his plans.
But that is not the only thing he did.
This war takes more than just might and Arial knows that proper procedure must be taken for Adrian claim to the throne could be legitimized.
Arial had kept himself busy sending letters across the Continent to the Vern Empire, Vangua, Cori, the Principality of Freya, Zettel, to Seren Radiant Rulers, Tuca, Cora, Renasia, Dostov and Bardent.
He is Informing every kingdom or territory that a new kingdom was being formed, and the responses he received so far were largely positive.
The Grand Papnoticon of Light in Vern had given its consent, since Arial's cause was just and the Vern Empire also approve.
Cori and Vangua also approved, after hearing what had happened at the feast which violates the bottom line of many lords.
Seren had always been on their side due to the Vermonts's connections there and the fact that the Vermont's is a valuable trading partner with moist of the high nobility of Seren.
Even though their faith and the faith of the Dukedom is not the same not all humans' interaction is connected with the faith they held.
It is most firmly held by interest. A disorganized Dukedom would be more beneficial for Seren and they are too eager to support Adrian claim to Kingship
Dostov sent no reply, mostly because of the House of Ancona, Alderam's wife's house.
It is more than just Alderam wife noble house. House of Ancona is also the house that supported Alderam Alan and one of the influential Houses in Dostov
Renasia's King, Luis Renasi was in Vern, speaking with Emperor George about their alliance heard the news, and both sent their congratulations.
The Kingship was approved.
Arial chuckled to himself. He knows the only way to restore the momentum back to his force is to enter action with boldness.
Alderam had declared himself Duke, he thought, well I have declared Adrian King.
Some of the nobles believed it wasn't really a battle between the two brothers, but between the houses that backed them.
Adrian was supported by the House of Vermont, with its gold and connections in the south, while Alderam was backed by the House of Palais and his connections with the Old Houses in the north, and the influence of his in-laws in Dostov.
This is shaping to be a great war with many intertwining interest between the nobles houses in the South and the North.
Old grudges would be dug up and be settled and new grudges would form as noble houses on the North and South need to pick a side.
Everything is set and while the noble houses are plotting, scheming and preparing, Arial is preparing for the coronation ceremony.
The ceremony was to be held at the East Watch Church, which Aries had constructed two years before.
The culmination of years and year's preparation and the war has begun and it is now time for him to bare his fangs that he had sharpened to the world.
Adrian had begun to prepare himself in the church's chamber while they awaited the arrival of the Archbishop.
Noblemen passed Arial at the church doors, bowing as they went.
Arial had also entered the church and as the other nobles pass by him they bow a little.
Arial position in the current war is quite special. He is not only the son of a High Lord; he is also right now the strongest ally to Adrian cause.
Arial walk inside the large church and as he walked to the Main Chamber, he looks at the paintings.
He marvels at the art that his father managed to collect to fill this Church. All of it seems expensive but Arial also knows that this is none other than the work of his mother
Arial never thought that his mother was a crafty woman. It wasn't until she became a noble that craftiness revealed itself.
It is also probably the reason why the Church in the Dukedom supports the Vermont family cause better than even Hadrian when he was alive.
Donation to the church seems like a yearly obligation by the Vermont's and the Church took notice of that.
Arial mother makes powerful allies.
And Arial knows that people is always awed with a display of splendor if it done under the guise of charity.
As he walks he recognized many art pieces. He looks on one side and saw many painting regarding Levitia.
The church was decorated beautifully with fine pieces of art, its ceiling intricately painted to depict the Twelve-Winged Ones bringing Levitia to the Eternal Light.
There was a stunning piece on one of the walls, a reinterpretation of the Adoration of Levitia, showing the birth of Levitia while the sky shone bright with seven blazing stars, and the mountain crumbled in the background.
Beside it was a painting of Levitia slashing Dulira during the Red Dragon battle.
Red fire was a strong theme of the masterpiece, which reminded Arial of his stay in Seren.
Many more stunning works were displayed, like the Crossing of the Bridge, the Construction of the Bridge, the Betrayal, the Last Dinner where Levitia lamented upon his prophecy.
The main chamber was soon filled with excited chatter; and there is a reason for this excitement.
for the first time in the history of the Dukedom, the people would witness the coronation of a king, as Adrian fought to reclaim the territory that was rightfully his.
Arial take his seat and then Arial spotted Helia in the crowd with her father.
She wears a beautiful red gown and elegant, a luxurious cotton velveteen and satin, with the most incredibly intricate stitching and design and have a square neckline decorated with a horizontal trim, which just accentuates Helia neckline and as their eyes met she winked.
Arial's face grew hot. He was so used to seeing her wearing armor that he had barely realized she had truly become a lady.
Next to Helia was Daniel Lethe with his wife Alissa, but Kyle and Lisa were not with them. They were in Seren, their new task to protect Arial's parents.
Arial's eyes flitted from Lord Tuchet to Lord Paris Sutton, Lord Will Dudley, Lord Henry Summersill, Lord Hugh Ales, one of the Three Brothers who ruled in Three Branch and both of his sworn brothers, Jon Lonnes and Will Trouts.
The Church is full of the people who came here to swear fealty to the new King.
****************************************************************************************
part two would be posted tomorrow.