In the Throne Room of Blue Water Castle Gerwin sneaks over to Marco with news. While John Henry speaks, he leans into whisper.
“Still no word from Ser Robert, sir.”
“I knew those drunks wouldn’t take the mission seriously. Send a dispatch to Tree City, I’m sure they will be found on the way.”
“So, you think they got sidetracked by the Midnight Wine?”
“No doubt about it, I am going to punish the entire lot. I put a lot of effort into hiring the Underbridge Assassins, I expect results not drunken fools.”
Gerwin nods and walks away. Marco turns his attention back to John Henry who is finishing up his report for the King.
“Very good, my son. Since your brother’s disappearance you have assumed his old responsibilities well. After speaking with my advisors, it has been decided that it is time to award you for your hard work. I hereby name you as my heir. On this day let it be known throughout all the Kingdom, that John Henry will be the next King. Also, after long talks with Marco, we have assembled a committee to handle the process of a peaceful transfer of power within the fortnight. I am retiring as King and have decided to live out my remaining days on the Breaker Islands. I will take the royal quarters as my home. We have sent a delegate to the Islands to make the proper preparations for my arrival.” Says King William.
A hush falls over the crowd. This is an unprecedented move; no king has ever walked away from his power. This is possibly the quietest the Throne Room has ever been. This is truly a historical moment that is not lost on the socialites.
Marco steps forward and begins clapping. It is a shock to a lot of the people in the room, but his supporters follow his example. Soon everyone is clapping. After a moment, Marco holds his hand up for silence.
“We are entering an exciting time for the Kingdom. For the first time, we will see a King hand over his crown to his son. We are about to have a coronation without a funeral, this will be a momentous occasion that could possibly lead to a new tradition. We will see, but for now we would like to announce that we are pulling resources for the biggest party in memory. We will be having a coronation, a retirement party, and a wedding feast all in one. That’s right, the future King has chosen his Queen.”
“I choose, Mary of Northpoint. Her family has supported the crown for many generations. She has been extremely beneficial within the court for some time. Not to mention, she is the most beautiful woman in the realm.”
“Three cheers for our new King and Queen!” Someone from the court shouts.
Cheers ring out, over and over. Many cheers are called for- King William, the Kingdom, the new King, and the new Queen. Cheers ring out for some time. The celebration begins.
A couple hours later, the news has the entire Capital buzzing. Cheers are had all over. In Maverick’s the arrogant knight’s toast the night away. At Grove Stone, the low-level soldiers sing songs into the early hours. The commoners of the Bend walked their dirt streets gossiping.
Later, Marco has a meeting in his quarters.
“You pulled it off my friend. I don’t know what you did, but I thank you. This always seemed to be just a dream, but thanks to you my head will hold the crown.” John Henry says.
“This is the culmination of centuries of work. Your willingness to see the vision expedited the plan. You are to be praised as well my King.” Marco replies.
“Don’t forget about little ole me.” Mary chimes in as she leans into kiss John Henry.
“You my dear are the best prize of this victory.” John Henry replies.
“A toast to the new world order! We have successfully overthrown the Crown without bloodshed. The Coven now holds all the power, a new dynasty has arisen, and no one will never know.” Marco toasts.
“The Kingdom is restored; through our power we will bring everyone to heel. No one can stand in our way now.” John Henry replies.
“Indeed.”
As Marco and John Henry toast each other for their victory they are unaware that Aero’s thirty thousand strong force is a day away from the Capital. With the Capital busy by the news of the day, everyone is distracted. They should have been spotted by now, but they haven’t been. Maybe luck is on Aero’s side.
In his camp, the Bellumi warriors perform menial task, while he and Asna hold a meeting with their council.
“We must try to secure a peaceful transfer, if not a lot of innocent people will be killed.” Rune suggests.
“The people of the Bend will suffer the most, we must attempt a peaceful transition at all cost.” Yorba backs Rune up.
“It is not realistic, the King is not just going to give his crown and power away, they will fight to the last man.” Stephan rebuts.
“We all want to save lives, but I know the Capital more than anyone. Peaceful really isn’t an option.” Prince David adds.
“But we must try!” Yorba shouts in anger.
“If we make saving lives our priority, then we will all die!” Stephan shouts back.
The tent erupts into shouting. The Bellumi leaders stand with Stephan, they want to fight. Most of the Meegan leaders stand with Rune and Yorba. The shouting increases to a fever pitch.
Aero and Asna sit quietly in their seats. Aero looks to his bride unsure of what to do. She stands.
The entire tent takes notice.
“Our priority is always to life, I decree that our leaders shall make war plans that emphasizes saving life, but also be flexible to prepare for the worst. We leave you to it, see that it gets done.”
She reaches out to Aero for his hand. He takes it, and she leads him out of the tent. They return to their private tent, where they lay down.
Aero seems distant and very distracted.
“What’s wrong love? You’ve been distracted all day.” Asna asks.
“It’s nothing.” Aero replies.
“We share a magical bond; I can feel your burden. Stop being a typical man and tell me what’s wrong.”
Aero takes a moment to collect his thoughts.
“I’m just thinking about the last time I was home. Thinking about what John Henry did.”
“This is what Roasa told me that you refused to talk about isn’t it? And you still haven’t talked, have you?”
“No, I don’t know if I can.”
“Try, for me. I’m here for you.”
“Okay… After Marco revealed that he had forced me to go to Meego, I was escorted to my room. Then John Henry came to see me…”
Relics of the Old Age 