A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 70: Day 92
Coronation day had arrived, and the entire Company was gathered in Haven. Tristan's return journey had been uneventful, and he'd earned eight silver for simply riding on horseback and walking with Karl. Teresa had traveled to Haven with Tristan and Karl and joined the Company as its newest member.
Milos' and Karla's journey to and from Dal Valley was equally uneventful, and Stefan had immediately begun learning to be Milos' page. The deed to Nelson's land had been verified, and Matthias had sent word to Nelson that Milos was prepared to purchase the land and would finalize the transaction upon the Company's return from Haven.
Matthias was unexpectedly summoned to see Prince Robert just an hour before the coronation ceremony was to begin.
"The High Priest is likely to try to disrupt the coronation today," Prince Robert said. "The Princess advises me to ask you and your Company to deal with him. She feels using the King's Guard, Queen's Guard, or City Guard would appear too heavy-handed. What is your opinion?"
"Far be it from me to disagree with Her Majesty, Princess Miri of Nystria, Court Mage, and soon-to-be Queen!"
Robert laughed hard.
"I see I am not the only one to have that opinion of my Lady wife!"
"I have known her longer, my Lord Prince, so I am VERY aware that she gets her way when she truly wants to."
"Indeed!"
"How far do you want to take things against the High Priest?"
"Killing him would be counterproductive," Prince Robert said.
"I agree," Matthias replied. "If he tries to disrupt the ceremony, the Company will remove him from the Great Hall and detain him until the ceremony is concluded."
"Thank you, Count Matthias. Your loyal service to the Crown is noted and will be well rewarded."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. We remain at your service."
Matthias left and rejoined the Company. He explained the mission, which would largely be carried out by him, Tristan, and Tyra. Milos and Karla needed to be with the other Knights and their ladies to show their loyalty and unwavering support of the Realm and Robert's ascension to the Throne.
"I have a proposed solution," Tyra offered. "But I will need my crystals. A 'silence' spell will render the High Priest harmless without laying a hand on him."
Matthias smiled. "That is an excellent idea! Go see Princess Miri and obtain her permission."
Tyra departed and returned fifteen minutes later with a Writ permitting her to enter the Great Hall with mana crystals. She and Tristan took positions at the back of the Great Hall with Matthias and Lilia standing a bit further forward.
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