Chapter 1: Sumi
Journal of Sumi Ravenguard book 2 page 1
Today was it. Today was the coronation of King Kasious. Varrin, Otah, Kerrigan and myself stood in the castle courtyard on some kind of wooden platform overlooking the massive crowd of citizens that had gathered to see their new king. I recognized a few from the charge against the king but most blended together during such a battle. I stood directly left of the podium, adorned in a black suit, similar to what seasoned generals wore during ceremonies. It has a thin gold trim that moves up my ribs all the way to my shoulders. It was the only fine clothing they were going to get me to wear. There was a brief attempt to get me to wear a dress like the other women of the court but... that ended quickly. I was a warrior, not some darling lady. I would be dressed as such.
Kerrigan stood on my right, wearing a nice brown tuxedo. Otah wore something similar on the other side of the podium. His suit was a deep blue, almost black. But Varrin... gods Varrin looked sharp. He wore a military style suit similar to me but his almost seemed designed for him with the way it hugged his chest and shoulders. He also, being the show off he was couldn't help himself and he weaved a bit of his magic into the fabric, causing it shimmer like starlight.
It has been almost a week since we saved Durik from Sabastian. The city had been healing quickly, especially with our help. It turns out having a few big ass orcs and a magic wielder can be quite helpful when it comes to manual labor. Gods it was almost as grueling as the battles we had participated in but the looks on the families we helped made it all worth it. The city was making good progress in repairing the damage the cult had done. I almost wanted to stay and help but I knew we had a job that needed done in Alexandria.
The reveal of who was really behind all of this had shaken everybody. Varrin especially seems different since our battle with Sabastian. He still was his usual cavalier fun self but he seemed distant at times. I tried to talk to him about it every once and a while we were in bed together but he always changed the subject or just shut down all together. I will try to avoid it for the time being.
Trumpets sounded as the man of the hour entered the courtyard. The large wooden doors opened to reveal the golden blond hair and shining silver armor of the new king of Durik strode into the space. The new armor that was made for the ceremony was somehow even more beautiful than the set he wore when we traveled. Although it didn't look as useful for combat. It seemed more ceremonial than anything. Kasious walked with a confidence that would be acceptable for his position. Even though I knew him well enough to see the shake in his left hand as he held it behind his back.
Following the price were the former members of the revolution's council. The Lord's Rycard and Calibri. As well as Dr. Calorina and Marline. They were joined by a few more people who I actually didn't know. The two newcomers wore bright blue robes that while nice did not match the decorum of the other members of the court.
Kasious and Marline stepped to the front of the stage. Kasious bowed his head to the Templar. Marline bowed back to him as she pulled out a massive battleaxe. I recognized it as the same battleaxe that the king had weilded during their battle. "Kasious Stonefeld, the people have gathered to witness your ascension. I will need you to pledge your loyalty to this city. Place your hand on your heart and repeat after me." The crowd went silent as Kasious placed one muscular hand over his heart and one flat, facing Marline as he prepared to recite the pledge. Marline took a deep breath. "I swear to serve and protect the proud city of Durik." She started.
Kasious smirked. "I swear to serve and protect the proud city of Durik." He repeated. The smile that crossed his face was nothing short of pure jubilant pride.
Marline nodded. "By the light of Varun I swear to honor my ancestors. To bring light and justice to Tayrin through my actions." Kasious repeated every word. Marline held the battleaxe forward. "Kneel, so you may ascend." She muttered.
Kasious went down to a knee as Rycard and Calorina brought out a large ornate golden crown. Marline smiled as she held the battleaxe out for the new king to grasp. "Welcome king Kasious, long may you reign." The crown fell on his head as he grasped the battleaxe.
Kasious stood up as the new king of Durik. I could almost physically see the weight on his shoulders as he ascended. "Long live the king!" Cheered Rycard. The crowd of civilians repeated the chant and The new king stood tall in the face of his people. Every single person in that massive crowd erupted into loud cheers as he stood. He smiled and waved at his people as a joyful laugh escaped his lips.
He made his way to a small podium in front of us as he faced his people. He raised his hand and the crowd went silent. "Today is a great day for our people. Today, we are free!" He paused and let the crowd cheer again. "Thanks to all of you we have fought off tyranny and driven away the dark gods who wished to control us, but our fight is not over." The crowd silenced at those words as the severity of the situation set in.
Kasious nodded. "The cult of the depraved is still a threat to all of Tayrin... and once again we must fight for our home if we wish to keep it." I looked out at the crowd and a solemn determined understanding flashed across their faces. Kasious gestured to the four of us. "These brave heroes who helped save your city will hunt down this cult, but they may gain call on your blades, on your food and support. All of Tayrin needs a strong Durik if we wish to eradicate this cult once and for all." He sighed as he picked his next words carefully. "I know some of you have already lost much, some lost their homes, some even loved ones... but I will not stand by while another city like ours falls to those monsters. I will fight... who's with me?!''
The crowd once again erupted into cheers and my heart soared as they looked at us misfits in reverment. Kasious and Otah may have been used to the hero treatment, but it was still new to the rest of us. Kasious smirked as he saw the crowd's attention shift. "I wish these heroes of Tayrin luck on their journey as they track down the cult and secure more allies for the fight ahead."
As he finished the last few words the six people who had left the castle with the prince stepped up behind their new king. Kasious held out his arms. "I wish to truly help my people, so I have pulled members of each economic class to form a council to guide my decisions. I hope this will keep me informed on exactly what each and every one of you need. I cannot make this city better on my own. I need your help as much as you need mine." He did a small bow to the crowd. "I am proud to serve you." He muttered.
A loud voice started his chant once more. "Long live the king! Long live the King!" Kasious smiled and waved at the crowd as he started to make his way to the door as his council followed right behind him, then we followed, then the guards. I swear to Atika the amount of times we had to repeat this was absolutely criminal. But we all followed instructions from the many advisors that had set up the ceremony. We walked into the castle as the doors fell shut behind us.
