"My queen, you should take your scepter with you".
The day of the ceremony had quickly thrown itself into the present. Alia stood gazing at her apparel in the mirror. She raised her chin a bit higher, imitating the posture in the portrait.
"No, it is a weapon and I wish to show the people that I do not fear them".
"Right! Right o queen!" Silverus bobbed. It was a question she had anticipated, though the scepter remained an integral part of the Queen Jensari, Alia was terrified it might reveal her unworthiness.
"Come now, we should be on our way".
"My Queen, I wish you would discharge more guards for the sake of your safety!" It was her wish that the venue be lightly guarded. The people were already antsy and she feared intimidation would set them off.
"Silverus! I have already made my decision. Now where is Dira".
The former diva had died in Rwen. And she was too worried to see the beauty of the new dress she wore or care for the genuine diamonds in her tiara. She only kept her head down and did as Alia commanded.
"Wow you look gorgeous!" Alia commented raising her chin. Perfect! "Now if there is nothing forgotten, let's proceed".
The citizens of Gauberhodgy, from as far as the furthest country side to the very occupants of the town had gathered for the ceremony. Perchance it was the news that their beloved queen herself would be in attendance (word had a way of reaching the very end of sea in less than twenty four hours) or it could be that they had other intentions but they came. Gossiping with neighbors and greeting friends from far. The air was tight with anticipation and among it all crouched a creature cloaked in a tattered red cloth, covering the lower half of his face. He wove through the empty stalls with practiced ease, searching for the better vantage point. Now and then he wood look to the podium and when he caught sight of the Queen, he held his breath frozen for a moment too long, then he continued. Climbing up a building adjacent to the podium, he took refuge in a shadow of pillar. Praying he would not miss, he fitted an arrow into his bow.
The ceremony continued without a hitch. The minstrels sang the anthem of Gauberhodgy and the citizens stood with tears of pride. Each awardee was called in turn and the people looked on with envious eyes. Very soon it was time for the Queen Jensari to address the crowd. Alia had practiced her lines a million times and she was nervous still some Queen had to deliver a speech and all eyes were on her.
"Greetings People of Gauberhodgy!" She tried to project her voice as best as she could and hoped her pronunciation of the word 'Gauberhodgy' was superlative. But as she scanned the unfamiliar faces and eyes, judging her... she felt herself weaken and her jaws tightening. She took an uncertain step back.
Fwip!
"My Queen!" she heard Silverus's voice, high and shrill before the tiny creature threw himself in front of her. There was the sickening sound of an arrow piercing through flesh and fur. Then the cankey landed with a thud an arrow embedded in his shoulder.
"Silverus!" She ran to gather the wounded creature into her arms. "Silverus!"
"My Queen". He stared back at her with panic.
There were guards now, flocking the podium and creating a shield around them. Elrod had crawled closer too blinking at the wound. It was all too much for Rwen and she fainted straightway.
"Doctor! Doctor!" A pair of red heads with red diamond birthmarks on their arms came running and shouting in unison, one male and the smaller, a female. Along with a green haired man. An ancient stretcher was brought for Silverus and the three whisked him from her sight.
"My Queen" A guard was trying to escort her to safety only, a new side of her had awoken, rage.
"Step aside!" She commanded firmly, motioning with the hand. They had no option but to oblige.
"Is this what you've become?!" Her voice echoed throughout the town square shaking the very walls and driving fear into any who had the misfortune of being apart of the audience. "Rioting, Attacking those set over you! Those burdened with making decisions for your well being! And then your heart is dissatisfied you strive to kill your own! I would like to see this coward! Who hides in the shadows rather than to face me. Or have he not a bone of bravery within him!" There was silence as each eyed the other. "People of Gauberhodgy, listen now! I will drive back the waking willows and march against Roland and if there be any among you who is in doubt, chose this day were you stand. For every weed of disloyalty will burn!"
The silence lasted a spell, then roars of agreement and Alia was released from whatever had come over her and her heart pounded for Silverus's safety.
Gathering her skirt, she made haste to the castle.
"Silverus!"
She barged into the ward, head swiveling around for signs of the rusty black cankey.
"My Queen". She met the physician and his long face.
"What!? What is it?"
"His wound is fatal... I".
"Silverus!" she spotted him laying on a narrow mattress and pushed past the doctor.
""My Queen." he smiled sadly up at her.
"Is there nothing you can do? There must be something you can do!" She rounded on the doctor with pleading eyes.
"Well... there is the pool of chári but it is reserved for only those with royal blood".
"Nonsense!"
"My Queen", Silverus struggled to sit up. "It's okay".
"No, use it at once to save him! He is like my family and no one is more worthy of royal blood!"
There was no arguing with her at the moment, The physician quickened to carry out her request. He brought forward a bowl of crystal clear liquid that reflected dimly the colors of a rainbow and after Silverus had drank, he was left to rest.