Coronation

[Jonas]

The nobles entered the throne room. The Dutchal Band and Choir began to play and sing when the old Dutch entered the room. The silence was replaced by the beautiful sound of the Duchal Anthem.

Perhaps one day when this war is gone,
From the Duchy of Kildare
The Duke will greet the day's new dawn
And the Baron won't be sorry.
"Land of Tzi!" cried the linguist bard,
And speaking high and muffled,
He spoke Kildar'an; it was hard
So he was very troubled.
The pact fell through! Cuz the peace-makings
Could not bring the Duke to give in
His word, he knew, was like to a King's:
To it one must always listen,
He said "No spell or magic tree,
Shall let you take what's mine from me,
Kildare's here for the pure and the free,
And after all, I'm Duke, you see."



"Lords and Ladies. Dear nobles of Kildare and other Duchies. We are gathered here to celebrate my retirement and to crown my dear and rebellious friend, Andreas the Wise. It's time for change, change we believe in! That's why I appointed him as next Dutch of Kildare. He will bring us prosperious times of success. Yes we can!"
The crowd began to applaud. Then, it was time. The doors of the chamber opened and Andreas the Wise came in. He walked slow through the gangway, passing the nobles, in the direction of Jonas. Loud music began to play.
Andreas reached the throne, while draging a long cape behind him.
"Please sit down, My Lord," said Jonas respectful, "We were waiting for you."

[Andreas the Wise]

Andreas sat on the Dutchal throne, facing the assembled Kildarians. They came from every reach of the Duchy - timid Melangians, rough Norfolkers, bickering Raynor Islesians, swathy Gong Lians, insubstantial Halluci, strange Kitanus Fieldians, adventurous Nova Dalmacijans, and even loyal Blackrockians here to watch the final act of their favourite Dutch. Andreas, normally an eloquent speaker, was lost for words at the masses arrayed before him. He turned to Jonas and nodded to ask Jonas to continue with the ceremony.

[Gman Russell]

*you spot someone familiar in the crowd...*

[Jonas]

Oh yes...

Jonas nodded back to Andreas. He placed himself in front of the throne and looked in the direction of the guests.
Some cleric and mages entered the large throne room, at the sidedoors at the left and the right, with some old relics and juwels. While this happened, music once again began to play.

"I hereby offer you the Lost Key of the Underwater Palace (a copy, the real one is lost)."
Jonas placed the key in the left hand of Andreas.
"Symbol for our technology and old heritage."

"I hereby offer you the Blackrockian Sword (not a copy) with the magical ruby that gives the possessor extra power in a fight."
Jonas placed the sword in the right hand of Andreas.
"Symbol of the old military power of our Duchy."

"I hereby offer you the Cape of Norfolk"
Jonas placed the cape around Andreas' neck.
"Symbol of the Ducal might. That you can wipe away your enemies."

A Soloralist cleric entered the room, alone. On the music, that played in the meantime, he brought a box and gave it to Jonas. He opened the box, faced once again the guests, took the contents out of the box, and holded up a small crown.

"I hereby offer you the Crown of Kildare!"
Jonas placed the crown on the head of Andreas.
"Symbol of unitity, diversion and history!"


"Kildarians, representatives from over the whole Empire, with the power invested in me, I present you...
the new Dutch of Kildare, Andreas I of Kildare!"
The mass stood up.
"Bow for your new heir, citizens, counts and Barons. A new reign has started! Long live Dutch Andreas I! May he have the blessing of the gracious Gods!"

[Andreas the Wise]

Some regal music began to play, as Andreas stood up from his new throne. "Diversion?" he wishpered to Jonas, without moving his mouth.
"Very old Kildarian tradition," Jonas assured him.
Andreas smiled and addressed the crowd. "Good Kildarians, I address you no longer as a Baron, but as your Duke. By the power of Sakat, I shall do my best to ensure Kildare retains the honour and glory of the past, while striving for a bright future. I ask only that you live every moment as if it were being recorded on the pages of History itself - and together, we will make history!"

A great cheering went up from the assembled crowd, that continued, unabated, for minutes on end.

[ghoti]

I COME BEARING A TOKEN OF FISHDAY WISDOM:

[Jonas]

A portrait for you, My Lord.

[Andreas the Wise]

I've got to say I prefer the portrait, though it does make me look a bit old ....