A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 33: Day 49
Tristan, Lisette, and Tyra joined Matthias, Lilia, Milos, and Karla for breakfast. They had arrived on horseback, very late the previous evening, and had stayed at an inn.
"Jorah sends word that the first windmill is properly turning the water wheel," Tristan reported.
"Excellent news," Matthias replied. "Everything is coming together nicely. Did the surveyors begin work yesterday?"
"Yes. When we departed for Haven, they had set some of the markers. They should have completed the work by dusk yesterday. The masons should have begun work this morning."
"Good."
The group finished breakfast, then spent the morning in the garden.
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"Father," Robert said, "Miri is with child."
"That is the best news I could hear today!" Edward declared. "Congratulations!"
"Thank you, Father. Miri is telling Mother now."
"We'll announce it at the coronation banquet this evening. I can't think of a more appropriate way to celebrate my coronation and you being named Crown Prince than to announce your wife is with child."
About seven hours later, the Royal Party was escorted into the Great Hall by a contingent of twenty-four Knights of the Realm, all bedecked in highly polished armor. At the front of the room, Titus, the High Priest of the Temple, waited with his acolytes.
"Edward of Millbrook," the High Priest intoned. "Face your subjects."
Edward and his wife Ælfwynn turned to face the assembled nobles and commoners, while Robert and Miri moved to the side.
"Swear your oath!" the High Priest commanded.
"I, Edward of Millbrook, swear I will faithfully fulfill my obligations as King of Nystria and will provide protection to all loyal subjects, no matter their rank or wealth."
"Cloak Edward and Ælfwynn!" the High Priest commanded.
Acolytes brought red cloaks, trimmed with white, and placed them on the shoulders of both Edward and Ælfwynn.
"The Royal Sceptre!" the High Priest commanded.
An acolyte brought the sceptre to the priest, who moved to stand before Edward.
"Wield this sceptre to bring justice!" the High Priest exclaimed, handing it to Edward.
"I will do so without favoritism!" Edward declared.
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