“...however, he is not eager to accept the responsibilities of the position,” Manvel continued as though no one had interrupted.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because he follows another god and the...”
A loud fanfare drowned out whatever Manvel would have said. Silence fell over the assembled guests and a few of the men around us stood up to see what was happening. I could not see and to climb on the table for a better view would have humiliated the family. I suddenly wished I was five again and able to get away with such antics.
“Renato, what is happening?” I asked, tugging on his tunic. He was standing right behind me and usually didn’t mind letting me in on his observations.
“A procession is entering: Kronen, Tristan, Horace, and Silas are escorting Hadrian. He is dressed as the Sept Son, blue robes and all. It looks like they are going to announce his ascension now.”
Murmurs flowed around us in waves as the onlookers realized the significance of the procession.
“They have reached the High King. They are bowing in unison, and Hadrian is stepping forward.” I closed my eyes and tried to envision them, but I only knew Hadrian and Silas on sight.
“Please be seated,” the High King said loudly over the crowd. Amid the shuffling and scraping, I leaned forward and craned my head. I could glimpse the back of Hadrian’s head. He was facing the High King, who stood before his chair with hands raised. “Sept Son Neleck has named his heir and is resigning. Only this afternoon he sent word of his choice. Now before this company, I would like to announce my hearty agreement with his wisdom in selecting his successor. May I present to you Sept Son Ilias Durand Fidel Hadrian Krispin Valens Savill Aleron. May he serve Pratinus well with the goddess’ blessing.”
The High King gestured to the men surrounding Hadrian. Silas and another man stepped to Hadrian’s side and turned him around to face the crowd. He bowed and saluted us formally. Then straightening his shoulders, he spoke.
“I swear to serve Pratinus and her people with all of my ability. I shall protect her, keep her, and watch over her as a dutiful father watches over his children. My service is to her people and her lands from this day forth. May I be found worthy of this task, capable and wise in performing it, and honorable in all.” Suddenly I felt his presence, distant and remote, in my head. “This I swear.”
The room was silent as he turned. Walking the length of the room, he approached the table prepared on the opposite end. Taking the seat in the center, he sat with Tristan on his left and Horace on his right. Silas and Kronen bowed and left. Gradually, the noise in the room went back to normal.
“Now that was impressive,” Renato whispered.
“What?” I asked. “What was so impressive?”
“That sending.” Manvel reached for the platter of mutton. “I heard every word of his sending clear as day.”
“Maybe it is true, him being the best.” Clovis mused.
“If so, we have just seen history today,” Janus said. “Remember this until you are old and gray, little sister. You were there when Hadrian Aleron was instated as Sept Son, and the whole room heard his sending.”
I wanted to say that I would never forget these past two days. But there was a chance that they would ask why, and some part of me did not want to share my memories. At least, I didn’t want to yet. I glanced around at them digging into their food with their usual gusto. I was certain they wouldn’t understand the uniqueness of the willows or the wonder of finding out that I was more like them than I had ever imagined. They would probably laugh at my ignorance of the basic concepts of sending and receiving, and I wasn’t ready for that.
I looked down the room toward Hadrian. He was listening to something Horace was saying, his dark head tilted slightly. I wished that he would look my way. If only I had the training and could send to him. I wanted to thank him again for the wonderful afternoon.
“I don’t relish his sandals,” Manvel commented as he leaned across me for the honey.
“Why?”
“He is going to have a mess to untangle soon when the High King dies. Also, it is rumored that the Mesitas already doesn’t like him. You know how much trouble he can make for one with the goddess.”
The desire to ask for more information was strong, but Manvel turned back to his meal and the topic changed to Kortka. I finished my meal in silence.
Hadrian
I WAS SHAKING WHEN I finally was allowed to retire well after midnight. The few bites of dinner I had managed to force down my throat turned my stomach sour. The doors barely closed on the heels of the servants when I sagged into the nearest chair. Closing my eyes, I withdrew.
Almighty God. All powerful, all knowing, all seeing. You have promised to not desert those who claim the salvation of Your sacrifice. I seek you now. I need you, Father. Only you can help me now.
A sharp knock on the outer doors drove through my prayerful thoughts like a nail. Hoping that whoever it was would go away, I brought my hands to my head and tried to retreat again. The person knocked again, this time harder.
“I know you are in there, Ilias.” Errol’s sending could not be shut out.
“Come,” I replied reluctantly.
The door opened and then closed. As the lock clicked fast, I looked up. “What do you want?”
Errol simply watched at me for a moment. “If it is any consolation, your sending was clear even to the edges of
