Chapter 4: The Crowning Ceremony
By the next day, the news of King Galfer's death had spread all over town. It was said that the guards had been found decapitated and lying in a pool of their own blood beside the castle entrance. Much to the horror of the townsfolk, it was brought to their attention that their respected king had been killed in his sleep. Oxen Mollish's crowning ceremony was to take place later that evening, whether or not the townsfolk were ready for a new ruler.
“For his father, King Garwen to die of that strange sickness,” said Farmer Hoom Bye, “and now for the fair King Galfer to die of such a mysterious death?”
“It was no natural death,” said Tooker Horn. “I saw the king's body for myself, there was a blade wound through his chest or I have bats' eyes. And the royal priest, Salkar doesn't even seem the least bit disturbed on the matter.”
“Yes, I agree,” said others. “What do you make of that? The royal priest's airy composure on this dread deed that has been done to us? I find it most strange indeed.”
“I say you are blind as a bat,” said one woman. “Or a liar. You cannot have me believe that you of all people, Mr. Horn, have seen the king's corpse? I call it hogwash.”
In an inn at the edge of town, people spoke other tales. “I have seen strange folk in these parts as of late,” said Horace Horn. “Here and there are folks who walk all dressed in robes, almost like the royal priest, and they speak a strange tongue. It sounds well enough like our tongue, but with a certain savagery to it that does not please my ears.”
Jinse took a sip of wine. “You best not speak of strange folk who look like the royal priest, Horace. That would not bode well, or so I should think. Salkar Stadeus will not like hearing that talk. It brings his judgment into call. You best still your tongue.”
“I'd agree with Jinse,” said a pale woman, all skin and bones. “People will not like to hear you say such things, even if you don't mean to offend the royal priest. Long has he been the adviser to the king and he is old as he is wise. I should know, I've seen as many sunsets as he has.”
Meanwhile, in the outlying area of Ganwin, the Roans were having their meal for the morning.
"I just can't believe someone would do that to the king. He was such a kind, loving ruler," said Selenia.
"I wonder who's responsible," replied Ing.
Ing had an average-sized body and fairly long, black hair that curled behind his ears. His eyes were dark brown, and emanated with the sincerity of his mother’s. Last month, in August, he had turned fifteen-years-old.
His mother was tall and slender, with bright blue eyes and a heartwarming smile. Long, brown hair ran down her back. She was dressed in a roughspun gown weaved of brown and dark fabrics that stretched down to her ankles.
As Ing was eating his breakfast, he thought about the tragedy that had befallen his town of Ganwin. King Galfer had been king ever since Ing was a little boy; he had ruled with wisdom and justice, and Ing had always looked up to him. He was the fairest king in all the land. Ing had hoped to grow up to be like him one day. He could still clearly remember the king’s speech that was given after his father passed away, putting the heavy burden of king upon the young prince.
Later that evening, the whole town of Ganwin was out in the streets talking of the event. They were not sure of this man, Oxen Mollish, taking King Galfer's place. There was just something about him that made the townsfolk feel uneasy.
Oxen Mollish sat down in a chair outside the palace, at the foot of the stairs, and the royal priest began the ceremony.
"I hereby declare Oxen Mollish the new king of Ganwin." The royal priest, Salkar Stadeus, lowered the crown onto Oxen's head.
The time has finally come, Oxen thought to himself.
The townsfolk didn't like the look in his eyes as the crown was placed atop his head.
"All hail King Oxen," the priest shouted, raising his arms in the air. He was dressed in a purple robe and gold rings adorned his fingers. Long, grey hair drifted along the back of his robe. "We can only hope that, in his attempt to replace our beloved King Galfer, he is successful." He said this with a twinkle in his eyes and a grin on his tired face.
As the days passed in Ganwin, the townsfolk grew restless and talked about their doubts over King Oxen. Those who were caught talking were captured on grounds of conspiracy. The deed was done by newly employed guards, wearing armor as black as night, serving under Mollish. With his rule, he had placed the town of Ganwin under an iron fist. Beside him in command was the royal priest, Salkar. The guards weren’t the only things to receive changes; the castle was now entirely off-limits to commoners—its doors remained closed.
On the thirtieth day of the new king’s rule, chaos began to erupt. A rebel group had been formed, opposing King Oxen’s rule. Night had fallen over the town when a fight broke out between the rebels and the king’s guards. Salkar Stadeus stood at the front of the forces that were marching through the streets.
“We will stomp out this treachery,” shouted Salkar. “Burn the houses of all would-be conspirators!”
“Yes, sir!” shouted the group of guards marching behind him.
Ing was off in
