laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Haakon quietly helped Jilahd don his armor as the king contemplated the previous day's events. One king was gone and another had to be crowned. Hismena was right, they couldn't allow the enemy to win this fight, but his influence there was limited. He had to at least vow his support for whatever Kavan needed to help root out this festering disease that had been allowed to grow.
His mind returned to the here and now as the heavy, fur lined cloak was draped over his plated shoulders. A nod to his man-at-arms as the older warrior backed and bowed in respect, then Jilahd walked out of the pavilion and allowed his men to begin preparing for their departure while he attended one last meeting in the market square. As he strode through the camp, he wondered who's city had been razed and by whom. No names had been given but, one thing that was clear, whoever it was had died and that was enough. With a fierce determination, he glanced upward into the blue sky.

"Whatever dangers you wish me to quell, guide my steps that my friend's name is reclaimed from this enemy. Let the trumpets of Varangia sound the death of these murderers, that they know their end is near. I ask that my last breath be after taking the head of their leader, if it is your wish."

Green eyes glowed as he walked to the edge of the seated assembly and glanced to Hismena as she stood in the center of the grassy yard.

"It's long been the dream of our enemies abroad to keep us divided," Hismena began. "For millennia, we've fought one another in countless battles for glory against our own brothers. I say those days are at an end. A new day has dawned this morning. A festering cancer has found it's way into our cities and will soon be vanquished. This religion of darkness will not be allowed to find a home in our land, nor will it's followers find haven in our halls. Heroes fought and died on this ground that you've slept on for the past few days. They call to us to a day of glory where men of De Haan and Chatelet can once again sail together. Find riches and trade in far away lands instead of eyeing one another in suspicion. We have a legacy to find once more. Reclaim our name and heritage from our forefathers who drink to those days in the halls of Aesir. I say, today begins one empire. Two kingdoms of families to govern lands beyond our borders, to stand together against enemies that would keep us separated." She turned to Jilahd. "I put forth Jilahd's name for High King of Varangia. Lord Kavan, son of Blane for King of Chatelet and Gerlach, son of Jilahd as King of De Haan. What say this council?"

Jilahd stood numb as the proclamation sank in, yet outwardly he remained still and confident. Soon, men gave their votes on the idea, some presented their own name for the three positions, but were soon dismissed by the council for one reason or another. Most just wanted peace between the two kingdoms finally and a chance to turn their efforts outward again. For what seemed like hours, the debate raged until Hismena got her way.

He grinned to himself, proud of what had been decided and that he still held such prestige among the nobility of both lands. Hismena claimed her seat and motioned to him to the center. "Jilahd, stand before this council." He complied as everyone watched and turned his attention to the ten oracles seated before him. "Take a knee, Sire." As he knelt, Hismena stood and approached as the rest followed suit also. She extended her staff which now glowed a brilliant blue that seemed to give life to the multitude of horses carved down it's length and touched him on the right shoulder. "In confidence of these lands, you are hereby named High King of Varangia, Lord Protector of Haltiatinturi and Gatekeeper of Dirge. You will from this day execute the office that you were born to until claimed to Aesir." She then backed and all took a knee, "Rise Sire."

Humbled, Jilahd stood and still wasn't sure if he was dreaming this or not. "You all honor me greatly this day," he turned and made sure his eyes met everyone present. "I vow to uphold this honor until my last breath in the traditions of our people. You have my word."

* * *

Once the feast was completed, Jilahd moved to return home as Hismena stepped through the crowd and in his path. "You'll be met in Brynmar by your fleet and army. You need to go with these dukes to Chatelet and announce yourself to the people there. Once the troublemakers are brought to justice, muster the men there and sail out with them to meet your sons."

He wanted to object, to see his wife again, but realized that his new position would claim more of his time than he may want. Nodding, he grinned. "Thank you for your confidence and guidance over the years," his deep voice replied. "In case we never see one another in this life again, I look forward to welcoming you in the Halls."

Grinning warmly, Hismena approached and hugged him tightly. An act that was very seldom seen from the oracle whose tenure in his home kingdom had outlasted many kings. "I may be welcoming you, Sire," she smiled and backed. "But, that is not for now. You have an empire to begin and a name to reclaim from the shadows."

Jilahd's face melted as he realized the truth and weight of those words. "Then I should get started. Tell my queen that I see her in my dreams."

"I will."