Azraea was clad in a fine dress of pale velvet green – it was clothing well beneath the station she’d claimed, but incredibly flattering to her shape and tone as she stood to greet them. Kaira and Ochsner rushed up the steps to hug her. She calmed them down, promised a detailed recounting later, and gestured for them to stand properly before the throne. As she regained her composure, Ochsner realized they weren’t alone. Many individuals were present who seemed to be observing the proceedings formally.
Ochsner had never met Kaira’s mother, but the woman was unmistakable, standing with an elf man against the wall off to her left. She certainly didn’t have the sort of physical fitness regimen her daughter had, so the older elf woman had a slightly fuller figure, but otherwise she looked almost exactly like Kaira. Well, except for Kaira’s tattoos, various piercings, and patchwork armor, anyway. Kaira’s mother stood with the same poise and grace that came naturally to Kaira, but unlike her daughter, did nothing to hide it. Her slim dark blue and black dress, was embroidered with silver constellations, and sported a strange collar that formed a crescent moon. The design accentuated her height, and despite the dark colors, ensured that she stood out in the crowd.
The man standing with her wore a lighter version of the armor worn by the White Rose soldiers that had followed them into the city. Unlike the soldiers, a white cloak fell over his shoulders in two large panels, with golden, thorny vines embroidered upon them, leading up to large medallions that looked like pearl-colored rose blossoms.
And then there was Vinny – his attire was nowhere near as grand, but more remarkable because Ochsner actually knew him well enough to be jarred by his formal appearance. She’d seen him attired as a merchant undercover and in the dark, chaotically patterned outfit that had concealed him in the Dark Dweller's Forest, but his court attire was very different from either outfit. Vinny’s facial hair had grown out over the past few weeks, but the small man had now shaved and trimmed it down to a thin, sharp mustache with a small, dark triangle on his chin. His hair had likewise grown out, but was now slicked back and tied off into a short pony tail. His uniform consisted of a dark blue jacket with a long back, a red sash above off-white trousers, and knee-high black leather boots. The jacket sported a single medal –polished obsidian over a gold background, representing a largely eclipsed sun. He wore gloves that matched his trousers, and the glove of his left hand sported a visible and elaborately decorated version of the hidden razor he’d taught Azraea to use. His left hip also sported a short sword in a small, thin black scabbard, tied off with gold cord. Right below the sword, held in place by a large piece of black leather he carried a strange contraption with a curved wooden grip and a brass pommel.
Still more surprising to Ochsner was the presence of Jericho Stone, the highway guardsman they’d encountered on the way to Defiance months before. He now stood near the throne, his messy hair tied back and his beard trimmed to match the tidiness of his own, dark purple uniform. In what Ochsner assumed was a significant breach of some code, Jericho wore a few pieces of plate armor on his left arm and shins, and leather armor covering much of his torso and right arm. The polished steel parts were clearly dated from the same period as the ghostly knights on either side of Azraea, though elaborately engraved. At his side he wore a traditional, though elaborately decorated straight sword.
Azraea stood and addressed her audience, “Ochsner, of Unver, Kairumina Doro Asterigennithika of clan Dhakka, and Thrakaduhl da Tharka of clan Dhakka, were covertly tasked with the mission of slaying the wyrm Syliva, ruiner of kingdoms, and poisoner of wells.”
Ochsner saw Kaira’s mother shift uncomfortably when Azraea added the orcish clan to Kaira’s name. No doubt she was wondering about the circumstances which necessitated that.
“Lady Asterigennithika,” Azraea said, “please, step forward and report your progress to the court.”
Kaira moved up to the top step and then knelt on one knee, quickly adopting the formal tone of the proceedings. Ochsner suspected there may have been some long distance discussion between Azraea and Kaira preparing for this meeting. “The wyrm is dead, your highness. The dwarven weapon at Fort Defiance was restored as planned and thanks to the aid provided by the people of the town of Defiance, and the contingent of Gnoman troops you permitted to stay at the pass, we were able to destroy the target as planned.”
“What steps did you take to confirm the creature’s demise?” Azraea asked.
“After striking the creature down with the weapon and grounding it, Ochsner summoned the scolopendrae to dismember her remains,” Kaira continued, “And they are very thorough, your majesty. We witnessed the skeleton of the creature laid bare in the Dark Dweller’s forest, and left it there to be overtaken by time.”
Ochsner added, “We don’t really know much about dragons, so I was concerned the remains might present some sort of health risk, and felt it best to leave them undisturbed for now.”
Azraea nodded, “For a creature possessed of vanity such as hers, I think an unmarked grave is the most appropriate end we could choose,” she turned to look at a dark haired woman taking record, “Ms. Schroeder, please note that if doubt over the creature’s demise persists, we can have the remains brought to the gates - provided Ochsner determines they are safe - but I will not permit that creature to enter this city again, even in death.” The young woman she spoke to nodded and scribbled down some notes on a wax tablet. “And you’ll want to get a fresh tablet, Catherine; we need to do some shuffling.” The woman nodded and retrieved a board with a layer of blank wax on it.
“Captain Retger Schroeder, please join Lady Asterigennithika before the throne,” Azraea summoned the man forward. Azraea spoke with a degree of regal bearing that surprised Ochsner. Azraea had always been eloquent, but now she seemed like a different person altogether. Schroeder walked up next to Kaira and took a knee next to his former student.
“Let the record note with emphasis that in the past few months Retger Schroeder has not only conducted himself with great bravery, he has shown himself to be of impeccable moral character. Thousands of men, women, and children living in this city owe you their lives, Captain Schroeder. I don’t believe that Caelia will ever be able to express the depth of its gratitude to you.”
Ochsner was surprised to see a single tear running down the older man’s cheek. In plays these sorts of things always seemed so trite, but given the horrific things that they had endured in the preceding weeks, Ochsner could imagine the former magister was on the verge of a cathartic breakdown thinking about everything that had happened. The people at the back of the room might be bored, but for the gray-haired man kneeling before the throne, being told that he was a hero, this was a deeply meaningful moment.
“It is my desire to see that this kingdom remember your heroism of the preceding weeks for many lifetimes to come. However, I find it morbid to erect a statue memorializing someone while they still live, and I have no intention of seeing you perish from anything but extreme old age.”
“Yes your majesty,” Schroeder’s voice carried a hint of a good-natured chuckle, with a slight sniff as he glanced at the woman taking notes and tried not to tear up any further.
“That being the case,” Azraea continued, “I intend to honor your service with a promotion. To that end, I am creating a new position to be filled solely at the discretion of the sitting monarch of Caelia.” Azraea motioned for him to rise, and beckoned Jericho to step forward with another ornate sword from the dragon’s horde, very similar to the one Jericho wore.
“Henceforth you shall hold the rank of Guard Commander,” Azraea explained, holding the fine sword before her, “In that role, you will be the guardian of guardians, and the watcher of watchmen. It will be your responsibility to advocate for the wellbeing of Caelia’s law enforcement officers, and to supervise investigations of misconduct.”
“Respectfully, your highness, what will that entail?” Schroeder asked.
“Hopefully,” Azraea smiled, “More paperwork and less combat.”
Schroeder accepted the sword. “I serve at the queen’s pleasure, your majesty, but I’m still in good fighting shape,” Schroeder said as he gracefully handled the fine blade.
“You’ve proven that to be the case over the past couple of weeks, Commander. I've watched you work for days without sleep, and personally seen you walk away from two fights that should more than likely have been the end of you. But a man has only so many hours in a day, and only so much luck in his life. For your health and for the wellbeing of your family, who would otherwise be robbed of your company, I cannot in good conscience retain your services in such a physically demanding position.”
“Yes your majesty,” Schroeder smiled with pride but looked relieved. Recent events had clearly been taking a toll on the man.
“Replenishing the ranks of the Kingstown City Guard and appointing a new acting captain to the KCG will be left to your discretion once this meeting concludes. The Queensguard, however, reserves two individuals for its own ranks; Kairumina Doro Asterigennithika and Jericho Stone.” Azraea motioned for Kaira to stand next to Schroeder, “Kairumina Doro Asterigennithika will henceforth serve as Captain of the Queensguard.”
Kaira looked startled by the appointment, but Azraea ignored her reaction.
“The current state of our law enforcement services is quite poor, and civil unrest is ongoing. Coordinating our response to that will largely fall on Commander Schroeder’s shoulders, but as Kingstown is the seat of Caelia’s government, I feel that all matters pertaining to its security and defense are of relevance to the Queensguard as well as the KCG, and of course, when I travel my Queensguard will need to be able to work with the guardsmen throughout the kingdom. That being the case, I imagine you two will be working together quite a lot. I realize that because Captain Asterigennithika was once one of your students, and likely a difficult one at that,” Azraea smiled, “you might be uncomfortable working with her to the extent that your respective duties will require. I will in no way begrudge you the choice to decline the position as Guard Commander, and retire honorably with pension.”
“No your majesty; it’s a privilege to continue to serve, and it will be an honor to serve alongside Captain Asterigennithika.”
“Excellent,” Azraea laid a hand on Kaira’s shoulder, “And no, you don’t get the same option. I’ve conscripted you.”
Kaira smiled, “So long as I’m still paid…”
“You’ll both have some hard work ahead of you,” Azraea continued, “Furthermore, what remains of Caelia’s military leadership will convene next week to discuss the steps which need to be taken to relieve our Gnoman allies of the responsibility of maintaining our kingdom’s peace and security. At that meeting, I also intend to discuss the establishment of a new military academy and a standing force that rewards men and women of good character for their service. I have appointed both of you to law enforcement positions because I do not wish to disrupt the chain of command within what remains of our military by placing you there, but I expect both of you to advise me in those discussions. I want to ensure we never come to this point of fragility and corruption again.”
“Yes your majesty,” Kaira and Schroeder nodded.
Azraea turned to Thrakaduhl and motioned him forward as the others stepped back down. Thrakaduhl stepped up and knelt. The courtly posture seemed to come more naturally to the orc than any of the others present. He bent his knee and bowed his head with the grace of a fairy tale prince.
“Thrakaduhl da Tharka, I wish to commend you for your valor in challenging the tyrant Syliva, and for your skillful and selfless defense of the people of Defiance. I intend to appoint regional governors to see to it that the needs of the people outside of our cities are better attended to from now on. Would you accept a position as governor of the northeastern kingdom?”
“I would your majesty.”
“Good,” Azraea bid him to rise, “You should know that the people of Defiance have the support and good will of the entire kingdom, and the sacrifices they made in combating the dragon have been made well known. Tonight you should rest, assured that your people will not be abandoned in their time of need.”
“Yes, your majesty,” the orc smiled as he stepped back down next to Kaira.
Azraea motioned Ochsner up to kneel before her, “I have been told that not only did the weapon you command strike the dragon from the air, it was your command of the scolopendrae swarm that ended her life. Do you affirm this to be true?”
Ochsner looked somewhat uncomfortable with the sudden attention, but answered, “Yes ma’am, that is true.”
“Then according to the traditions of your people, and as sovereign ruler of this kingdom, I give you your name – henceforth you shall be Ochsner Dragonslayer.”
Ochsner smiled, a bit smugly, “Nice.” Her parents would lose their minds when they heard that.
“And I appoint you regent ad manum of my kingdom.”
Ochsner went pale and froze, “What?”
“Ochsner, dear,” apparently unconcerned with how unqueenly it might seem to those watching, Azraea knelt while pulling Ochsner up to her feet, so that they could look each other in the eye, “Our adventures have shown us all that you have not only an amazingly wide repertoire of skills and knowledge but a gift for problem solving. What’s more, I have heard that in your time with the Gnomans at the citadel, you demonstrated exemplary leadership and diplomacy. Because of this, I am appointing you to serve as my second. This means you will be my frequent advisor and, perhaps more importantly, when I am not present to perform the duties of queen, your decisions will carry the weight of my throne. There will be times when I cannot attend to all of the duties of my station and during those times you will be de facto leader of our country. Do you accept this charge?”
Ochsner was frozen on the edge of an anxiety attack; she didn’t feel remotely prepared for this sort of responsibility. Kaira broke from her military composure to give Ochsner a moment to pull herself together, “Why does she get a choice?”
“Because the first time I take a night off,” Azraea explained, “She would have the authority to appoint a replacement for herself. Probably you. And no one wants that, do they?” Azraea looked back to her smaller friend, “Ochsner, we need you to do this. I need you to.”
Ochsner regained her composure, “Yes ma’am, I’m ready to serve.”
Azraea squeezed her small friend's shoulder affectionately, and then stood back up before the throne.
“Ochsner Dragonslayer, I appoint you steward of my kingdom. I will have many duties for you, but to start with, seek out whatever surviving members of the university you can. I will be restoring the king’s council but replacing many of the seats with chairs and departments like we had at the college. I need your advice on organizing those departments, and recommendations for the appointments.”
Ochsner’s eyes widened at the daunting scale of the proposed task, “Yes ma’am.”
“I need the dragon’s hoard dealt with as soon as possible,” Azraea continued, “I need cultural historians as well as jewelers and other craftsmen to identify and appraise as much as possible before we decide its fate. Items of historical significance should be preserved, and items of purely economic value should be added to our treasury.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Additionally, I require engineers to prioritize and plan work that needs to be done in the kingdom. They are to start in the eastern kingdom by rebuilding the town of Defiance, from which we will oversee the safe and responsible recovery of the knowledge contained within the dwarven citadel. While there are certainly a number of other maintenance tasks which need immediate solutions, it is my hope that what we learn from the citadel may help us make some longer lasting improvements to the kingdom.”
“Yes ma’am.” That was a task Ochsner certainly looked forward to more than the job of reorganizing Caelia's bureaucracy.
“Furthermore, while the dragon sat upon an unfathomable pile of wealth, I understand that the crown I wear carries with it significant foreign debts. I will need maesters of coin to help plan our expenditures internally and externally, and to reform our tax laws.”
“Yes ma’am,” Ochsner nodded.
“And also, I need the castle staffed, so you and Captain Asterigennithika will need to collaborate on getting that done.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And it’s your majesty when we’re in the presence of others,” Azraea smiled.
“Yes your majesty!” Ochsner’s face reddened with slight embarrassment.
“Finally, given that your singular power in the governance of our kingdom will be second only to mine, you will be extended the protection of the Queensguard. Captain Asterigennithika, since my succession to the throne, guardsman Jericho Stone has served faithfully as my personal bodyguard. Having been quite impressed with his competence, dedication, discretion, and wisdom, I am formally requesting that you appoint Jericho Stone to be chief guard of the regent ad manum’s personal security force.”
The inefficiency of the request surprised Ochsner as much as the specific nature of it, but Kaira didn’t seem to blink at it.
“Guardsman Stone,” Kaira said, “Please step forward.”
Jericho stepped up to her sharply and stood at attention,
“As Captain of the Queensguard I appoint you chief guard of the regent ad manum’s personal security force. Henceforth you will be responsible for the steward’s safety, and attend to her security, placing her welfare and safety before your own. Do you accept the appointment?”
“Yes captain, I accept the appointment.”
“And you understand that if you let anything happen to Ochsner I will cut your head off with a dull knife?”
“Yes captain.”
Ochsner felt a mixture of vague alarm and concern – the necessity for personal security hadn’t been on her mind when she was considering whether to accept the position – but Azraea simply patted her on the shoulder and directed her to step aside with Kaira and the others. Stone immediately moved to stand just behind her shoulder, immediately assuming his role as her protector.
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