Chapter 169: The Royal Address

“It is time,” the king announced. “Annita, are you prepared?”

“As much as I’ll ever be,” Ann nodded. She’d spent the time running through her speech over and over. So very ready to get this over with and move on to the next goal: tackling more Seeds.

“Ye’ve got this,” Kat whispered. She squeezed Ann’s hand comfortingly as Rosalyn joined them.

“Yeah, definitely do. You’re all good with the talking and the people. I’m gonna be just trying not to faint until this is over. Is that alright? I hope it’s alright.”

“You’ll have Kat with you, lambchop,” Ann said. “Just stick with her and Bren.”

“Right. Safety in numbers. Yup. Not like there’s hundreds of people… going to stop thinking about that.”

“They’re ready,” a priestess from the Orenous temple announced. “Down the hall, up the stairs, out the curtain. Best of luck, Holiness.”

“Thanks,” Ann nodded.

Orlana and Kremdol stepped out first with the kids to cheers and applause. Junia followed next. Then it was time for Kat, Ann and Rosalyn. Holding hands, they pushed through the curtain. Ann heard gasps mixed in with the cheers as people took in her new look. Murmurs of unease and concern. The people were worried. She couldn’t really blame them. If a purple wolf woman stepped out on stage, she’d think it was a Warped creature, or someone really into hair dye. She followed Kat to their seats, wondering how much of a pain bleaching her leg fur would be. Last, Bren and Lucia emerged to polite applause. It seemed like people knew they were important, but not why. A couple of cheers from the noble sections, all female, pierced the rest of the noise.

Ann looked out across the theatre. Hundreds of people were here. Just like she’d planned with Rowena, the front sections were public space. People stood and craned their heads to see the royal family on stage. Kids were raised on parents’ shoulders, some Inlon doing the same with their friends.

Behind them, in raised boxes, were the nobles. Ann scanned for anyone she recognised and almost immediately found Arthur. The knight looked as sour as she remembered him, with his perfect salt and pepper hair and beard. His house seemed to have joined him, Olivia standing out as the other recognisable face. To the right of their box was Krisnaal’s family, then several others she’d been introduced to, but hadn’t gotten familiar with. Every one of them had guards making sure no one assailed their charges.

The sight of those guards brought Ann to look around and see the security Rowena and Theodore had assembled. Just in front of the stage, a wall of paladins stood in gleaming armour. Each bore a shield and their weapon of choice, sheathed, but available just in case. Glancing around, she spotted more around the perimeter. Once you looked for them, they stood out like a sore thumb. A few were even on buildings nearby, watching the scene from a distance.

“Damn, that’s a lot of security,” Ann whistled.

“Aye. Rowena an’ Theo sure pulled strings fer this one. Should feel honoured,” Kat said as she waved to the people. A cheer rose and fell as she did.

“There’s more I can’t see, isn’t there?”

“Definitely. Inquisition’s probably got agents mixed in wit’ the normal folk tae keep an eye on anyone suspicious. Bettin’ they’re up on the roofs as well. Shite is tight.”

Rowena made her appearance and strode across the stage. Pausing briefly to bow to the king and queen, the Thrundol Mother Superior turned to address the people at an ornate metal pulpit. The front, Ann guessed by looking at the back, was shaped like a tree growing out of a mountain, the symbol of the Farragher house. Attached to the top, behind the table set up for papers, was a small stone suspended on a rod. Ann immediately recognised it as a microphone, but a magical one since this thing had no wires to send the sound out.

“Greetings, one and all,” Rowena began. The crowds quieted. “I am Mother Superior Rowena Mikram, High Priestess of Orenous. It is with a joyous heart I bid all a happy Everfrost.”

Polite applause.

“It is important in these times to remember the gifts we are given. The love of our families, our friends. Just like Devdan of old, we must hold those we care for close. Let our love guide us toward our destinies. We have much to be thankful for this year. A bountiful harvest, a mild winter, and a prosperous kingdom. Join me in thanking the Gods for our good fortune.”

Rustling rippled through the crowd as people bowed their heads and either placed their hands on their chests or clasped them in front.

“Oh Orenous, Goddess of mine, we thank you for our days of peace. Through them, we are able to pursue our loves, our interests, and desires. In this time of Everfrost, we thank you for the hand you played in the fable of old. Without your love and compassion, we would live in much harder times. We give our deepest thanks.”

A murmur of confirmations spread through the people.

“We also share our thanks to all the Gods. They see and protect us in our daily lives as we continue to strive towards our best selves. Ever in our toils do we find their hands at work. Orenous, your beautiful light bringing all of us together to find love and community. Illdall providing us the strength to do what is right. Bryltia inspiring us to seek greatness and challenge ourselves. Voltid to nurture our industrious spirits, finding our place in the world. Eas, the guiding wind, for their whispered words in times of trouble. Qu’Sella for the blessing of knowledge and magic. Finally, Nylir, for giving us the determination to do what must be done though it may be difficult.”

As the people prayed, Ann heard shifts in the murmurs. Certain sections seemed more aligned with one god or another, and said their own words of thanks. Even the nobles were solemnly praying.

“Thank you. Today we gather for a momentous announcement. A time of great things has come to our land. Before we make this announcement, Theodore of the Illdall Temple has a few words for his flock. Theodore?”

Theodore walked steadily onto the stage. The elderly Bultrong looked amazing in his robes. They were all black with silver trim. A high collar rose to a point behind his head, with the symbol of Illdall, a great shield scarred with use, embroidered into it. Rowena bowed to him, then stepped away from the pulpit.

“Ahem,” Theodore cleared his throat. “Thank you, Rowena. Greetings, followers of mine God, Illdall. Long has it been since such an excuse to speak with the many has presented itself. Today, as Rowena explained, we have a special announcement. In the interest of protecting all involved, I ask that thee not make a commotion until everyone has said their piece. Our paladins, along with what forces Orenous’ temple was able to provide, are here for your protection. Should you need anything, please seek them out. As always, the Temples are open for all in this time of merriment. Whether you come for prayer or community, know that you are welcome.

“Today, it is with great joy that We present unprecedented news not only for our kingdom, but the world. I will let her speak for herself, but I sincerely hope you share my excitement.”

“Yes, yes, well said, my lady,” Theodore boomed, walking up beside Rowena. “We of the mighty temple of Illdall do offer our services in this endeavour. Through the ages, we have toiled on behalf of the lost and the downtrodden. Should ye ever require aid, seek our temples. As for the business of this momentous day, I stand with my old friend Rowena in her excitement for what we bring to you. I have prayed many a long year for such an opportunity, and it has finally been answered. Worry not! Once our dear Queen and King have their say, all will be revealed. I will not burden thee with another prayer. Without further ado, Queen Orlana and King Kremdol.”

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted as the Queen and King stood. The noble sections rose as one and offered deep bows to the royals. The common people were not nearly so formal. Everyone waved and cheered for their rulers in an outpouring of support Ann was a little taken aback by. She was used to the idea that they were decent for the kingdom, but seeing the people’s opinions so clearly was another thing. Cries of “Hail to the Queen!” and “For the King!” were numerous, as were cries of Queen of the Mountain and other epithets.

Orlana and Kremdol strode to the two stands, the second brought out by a priest, hand in hand. Music rose over the crowd, which Ann assumed was the national anthem. It was a stirring march. Solid, rhythmic, like the Bultrong that founded the nation. Only when they reached their places did they part. Orlana was the first to speak.

The woman raised a gauntleted hand, and the crowd quieted. She waited until there was silence before beginning. “My subjects, my people. I bid all who have travelled long and hard tae Korvas a warm welcome. Enjoy this city, our capital, to its fullest during your stay. To those who have made their way here from neighbouring nations, we hope you enjoy this holiday with us. Our location may be austere, but the people are warm. Eat, drink and be merry.” The queen threw her hand out, sweeping it wide, and the crowd cheered for her.

“Today we have a twofold announcement. Firstly, as many have likely heard already, me daughter has entered a relationship. Yes, yes, this is relevant to more than me family braggin’,” Orlana chuckled, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Ann watched closely as the woman directed the crowd through her words. She thought Kremdol would be the one doing this kind of thing, but Orlana was clearly a skilled speaker in her own right. She put the people at ease, speaking simply and giving them an opportunity to laugh with her.

“On to business, love,” Kremdol reminded her.

“Right. In the spirit o’ the season, I want tae thank our brave guards and military. Without whom we’d be in dire straits against both the Warped and any hostility from other peoples. To you, I give my greatest thanks.”

The retinue of paladins and guards saluted sharply before returning to parade rest.

“The city of Graven Keep has reported a very successful trainin’ exercise this year. For those who do not know, we take forces from all major cities and bring ‘em together for a month’s long trainin’. This year, the mages of Indelholm eked out a slightly better performance than the Keep’s soldiers. You better bet they’ll be trying to even the score next year.”

While the common folk looked a bit lost, the nobility clapped and laughed at the rivalry. Ann remembered Polaris mentioning that the two cities enjoyed a friendly back and forth in passing. Apparently, the discussion was a popular one among people who cared.

“For those of you involved in the agricultural life,” Kremdol said. Ann couldn’t see their faces, but she imagined that this was heavily rehearsed. “Thalten reports a strong harvest this year. Hunters have found large herds of creatures to harvest. Not only that, but farms across the country have had a good year. Our guest, Rosalyn Losenska,” Kremdol swung a hand towards Rosalyn, who recoiled visibly, “hails from River’s Crest. A small town northwest of Graven Keep. Even their local ledgers report a bumper crop. All should be proud.”

More cheers, this time from the standing area and less from the nobility.

“Speakin’ o’ Graven Keep, the watchward against the Bortislav Empire, we have had reports of incursions of late,” Orlana said grimly. “Not tae worry. General Polaris an’ the Inquisition have been hard at work searchin’ them out. We will uproot these bastards from our lands and cast ‘em back whence they came.”

This time, the applause was from all types.

“Aye. That isn’t the only thing from the Keep reported. Warped sightings from Seeds has been only slightly higher than normal. Mostly the minor sort, more pests than actual threats. Still, I urge all tae be careful on their return trip. May the Mountain watch over ye.”

“A good reminder,” Kremdol nodded. “Finally, we come to Indelholm. Over these past couple years, the Hedera couple have revolutionised train travel with their new engines. I imagine many who have travelled between cities have experienced their work. We thank them as well, though they may not be with us. Always busy working on their next project for the betterment of our nation.”

“Our thanks tae House Forgold,” Orlana continued. “Fer the unwaverin’ support o’ their eldest son, Arthur. A mightier and more loyal sword our kingdom couldn’t ask for. Not only their might, but their business in transportation has grown our trade substantially.”

“For the Mountain!” Arthur roared, pounding his fist against his chest.

“Thank you,” Kremdol said. “In addition we wish to thank the Mercenary Association, whom all should be familiar with. Though our forces are mighty, these intrepid adventurers and warriors help with all manner of tasks that the military would be too large a commitment. From menial help to culling Warped. Defending a smaller town, to bolstering our troops. We honour their commitment to our nation, and the willingness they display to aid those in need at every opportunity. Once again, our thanks.”

All attendees clapped and cheered at this one. Arthur was notably not among them. The man had a glower that displayed his opinion on the matter clearly.

“Alright,” Orlana clapped, her gauntlets clanging together. “Me husband could go intae tax code an’ other changes that’ll be announced in the comin’ year, but we’ll spare ye the bore. Today is a day we’ve been preparin’ for fer quite a while. A few words beforehand. What you are about tae hear may be alarmin’. What ye will see may frighten ye. Know that this has been thoroughly investigated both by the Temples an’ the Kingdom’s own sources. No harm will come tae ye.” Nervous murmurs rippled through the crowd. Even the nobility looked concerned. “Without further ado, we welcome Annita Kronforst tae speak.”

Ann felt her heart rate spike at the words. She glanced at Kat and Rosalyn. Rosalyn, bless her heart, gave her a smile and a thumbs up, while Kat squeezed her hand.

“Time tae go, mutt. Give ‘em a show.”

“You’ve got this!” Rosalyn whispered loudly.

Ann stood, all too aware of hundreds of eyes now fixed on her. That wasn’t good for her heart, but she had to do this. Orlana beckoned her up, and her paws started walking on their own. She felt almost disconnected from her body, her mind racing over her speech, her plan, all of it. Rowena caught her eye, giving her a graceful bow as she walked. Everything and everyone was in place.

This was what they’d all been working towards. What Orenous had demanded of her as part of her quest. To tell the world. Become Her representative. Her Chosen. Nausea from nerves crept up Ann’s throat as she approached the podium, but she fought it down.

Orlana stepped to the side, giving her the floor.

Annita grasped the podium, and took a deep breath.