Chapter Twenty-two (17)

"So we know who the traitor is." the nobleman commented. Lord of Merve was not surprised at all by this. He had already known that Official Ghuil had gone to the prince's side.

The coronation had begun; the two on the raised stage face each other; a bowl of rock in one hand, a golden hammer in the other.

"I stand witness to this day, as those before me.

May words spoken hold the same truth, as those before me.

An era gone a new path drawn." the both swore in unison, then put down what they held on a tray offered to them by two maids. With the oath done, they faced the crowd. Just at that moment, three maidens veiled in white entered through double the doors. The guest looked back as they made their entrance; the leading maiden swinging a bell sideways as she walks.

"Purify the path. Strengthen the steps taken." they chanted as they slowly made their way towards the king maker and priest.