I was inspired after reading Lord of the Rings, watching the Witcher on Netflix and playing a modded version of Napoleon Total War. The working title is A Tale of a King and his Peoples, it’s a fantasy set in a world named Arythia. With early modern technology the humans (Acrylians) are allied with the Atlanteans and Dwarves. The Elves, Goblins and Arachnids are vile, demonic beings who aim to enslave the other races of the world. The story is one of destiny, power And how one human holds it all before giving it up to ensure tranquility. Enjoy this excerpt from the beginning of chapter 5; the coronation of King Philavandril III.
V
The throne room was filled with people from the families of the Royal Houses to the Commanders of the Grande Armeé de Acrylia, the Royal family of Atlantis and Kings of Gungnïr. The throne room was long and narrow, the ceiling was carved high into the mountain. Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling, large pillars flank the sides of the main hall. A large window was behind the thrones, the king’s throne is bolted to the floor while the other two were moveable in the event a king doesn’t have a queen or heir. The people in the throne room were mingling and making small talk when the clerk came in the room and announced:
“Distinguished guests of the Royal Government of Acrylia, King Atlan X and Queen Salacia, King Pytor, King Yuri. Welcome to Milieu. I have the esteemed privilege of introducing the Magistrates of the Royal Court of Acrylia.”
The guests returned to their seats and applauded the Magistrates of the Royal Court as they entered the room. The magistrates were wearing red robes, a gold corona radiata rested on their heads. They walked side by side to the front and second row of seats. They filed into their seats and remained standing. The crowd finished their applause and the clerk returned to announce:
“Royal guests, Royal Magistrates, Commanders of the Amreé, guests of the Royal Government. The Lords and Ladys of Acrylia. Lord Augustus Sciccio, House of Ivy; Lady Fe XXVI, House of Iron; Lord Apollus Helios, House of Sun; Lady Lunas XVIII, House of Moon; Lord François Marmot, House of Oak; Lady Marie-Henrí, House of Sapphire; Lord Leos Rubicon, House of Ruby; and Lord Verde XX, House of Emerald. The Council of the Lords.”
The Lords and Ladys entered the hall escorted by their garde-du-corps. They were all dressed in the colors of their Houses. They walked single file to their seats. Their garde-du-corps returned to the back of the room and stood at attention. The Garde Royale walked in and lined the main hall. They stood around the edge of the room and lined the aisle leading to the throne. The crowds finished their applause and turned their attention to the clerk near the main doors. The Commanders stood at attention and held salutes. The clerk cleared his throat and announced:
“King Philavandril II, House of Rose; High King of Acrylia and Queen Kalis, House of Ivy; High Queen of Acrylia!”
The King and Queen walked arm in arm down the main aisle. The room erupted into the cheer and applause. The King shook the hand of King Atlan and the Dwarf Kings. The Garde Royale held their swords over the aisle as the King and Queen walked to the thrones. The Garde Royale around the edges of the room stood with muskets shouldered. The King and Queen reached their thrones and waited for the cheering to quiet down. The door gardes closed the main doors and returned to their posts and held long halberds crossed in front of the door.
“Thank you all for coming to this great city, the capital of Acrylia. Earlier today, I abdicated my crown; my body is failing me, old wounds returned and my time has come.” The King said, addressing the crowd.
“Philavandril III, Lord-Duke of the House of Rose, Heir to the throne of Acrylia!” The clerk announced.
A lieutenant from the 15th Corps stepped forward holding Kingsword. Colonel William the Red stepped forward with the Crown of Acrylia. A tall gold crown, decorated with gems of every color and the finest pearls found in Atlantean mines. The two met facing one another on either side of the aisle just in front of the King. The door garde opened the doors and Lord-Duke Philavandril III stood in the same uniform and cloak he was wearing earlier. Long chestnut hair ran down to his shoulders, his face was angular and chiseled. He walked with smooth strides down the aisle. Time seemed to slow, the people were cheering but the sound seems muffled. Philavandril III scanned the room and saw Lady Marie, she let off a slight smile. He stopped just before the Lieutenant and Colonel. The King stepped forward and grabbed the crown from Colonel William. He saluted and returned to his seat.
“I, King Philavandril absolve my title as King of Acylia and bestow it upon my son. Philavandril III of Rosepolis, Lord of the House of Rose, Imperator in the Grande Amreé de Acrylia.” Philavandril II said,holding the crown high in the air.
Philavandril III knelt on one knee and his father placed the crown on his head. He remained on his knee while his father grabbed the seraphic sword.
“The Kingsword, not only is it an incredible weapon but it is a symbol of power in Acrylia. I present this sword to you King Philavandril III.” Prince Philavandril II said, kneeling on one knee.
` King Philavandril III grasped the sword and rose to his feet. The sword was oddly light and it sent a small surge of energy through his body. He sheathed the sword, saluted the lieutenant and helped his father to his feet. Now Prince Philavandril II looked proudly at his son. He stepped to the side revealing the throne behind him. King Philavandril III stepped forward, his mother stepped over to her husband. He turned and faced the crowd, they were overflowing with celebration. Philavandril III raised his hand and the crowd calmed.
“I, King Philavandril III, am humbled to stand before you as King. A child of Acrylia, citizen, Imperator; I watched my father rule as a friend to all. I shall continue that tradition, anyone may approach their king. King Atlan X, may our nation’s grow closer and stronger together. King Pytor; King Yuri, I will continue to protect the trade routes the Gungïr have established. Together the three Kingdoms of the West will be able to defend our interests unilaterally. Following the ceremony here we will make our way to the Grand Square where Lady Marie-Henrí Azgönne will be married. Following that is the Celebration of the King’s, we shall feast to honor my father and all the King’s who have ruled Acrylia! Enjoy the day and stay true!” King Philavandril III said in his first address as king.
The crowd applauded the new king and began filing out of the room. The bells of the Palais rang out, the King walked to the lower balcony. A large crowd of citizens gathered below waiting for their King. He walked out and the city roared. Fireworks exploded in the air from the walls of the city. The Dragons the Gungnïr circled above the city roaring and performing acrobatics. The snowy owl landed on a coupillar overlooking the balcony and crowd. Around Acrylia the cities were all in celebration, the navy stationed in Tara and Korinth fired off thiers guns signaling from coast to coast Acrylia had a new king. Parades, parties and feasts were happening in every town and village, the Kingdom of Acrylia vibrated with glee. Far in the south on Jeopsos Island the universities flew elaborate kites and the School of Magic had cast celebratory spells that sent streams of colored light into the sea around the island.
The Mare of Atlantis held a naval parade along the west coast. They were joined by large marine life; giant whales lept from the water and crashed back into the blue, pink dolphins danced in front of the ships, long sea serpents with emerald scales and long whiskers slithered between the parade. The Gungnïr in the mountains cracked open their special kegs of ale for the occasion. They feasted on cave bears and wooly rhinos until they passed out from grog and food. Lake Iven was dotted with small sailboats with kites tethered to them. Every citizen who didn't make the trip to Milieu stopped what they were doing to celebrate the new King.
Up north in Milieu the sun was approaching the peaks of the Orientem Mountains. The western courtyard of the Palais Royale was packed with people feasting and honoring the past kings of Acrylia. The main dish was several Black Stags that were roasted throughout the day, they had tables full of fresh fruits and vegetables brought in from the farms in the valley. Lord François Marmot and the House of Oak brought three barrels of their oldest batch of Whisqi, an aged alcohol made from fermented grains. It is the drink of royalty. A large symphonic orchestra played during the duration of the feast. Right towards the end, the sun was hidden behind the Orientem Mountains creating a beautiful painting in the sky. The musicians stopped playing and the King stood up with Lady Marie-Henrí at his side. She had changed into a sparkling blue dress that clung tightly to her body. Her hair was in two tight braids that helped support the Cercle de la Mer.
“To all the farmers and hunters who provided this event with wonderful food for us to indulge, thank you. Your gift today will be returned in the future. I rise, to announce a union between the House of Rose and House of Sapphire. Lady Marie-Henrí Azgönne and I are to be married tomorrow morning! She will be crowned Queen tomorrow!” King Philavandril III said, smiling bright and wide.
“Yes, but for now let’s drink and remember Prince Philavandril II and the great Kings of Acrylia!” Lady Marie said, raising her glass for a toast.