The King looked out at the silent crowd.
"In a month's time," he announced, "during the first week of spring, the royal coronation will take place. We will crown a new King. It will mark a new order, a season of healing and rebirth for Eudora."
King Alistair placed the golden crown down on the velvet cushion of his empty throne. He looked at Derek one last time, offering a small, sad nod of respect.
Then, the old King turned and slowly walked toward the private back doors of the platform.
Immediately, every single person in the massive Great Hall—the wealthy lords, the proud generals, the nervous politicians—turned to face Derek.
In perfect, practiced unison, hundreds of people dropped to one knee. They bowed their heads low toward the new ruler of Eudora.
"As His Majesty wishes," the massive crowd chanted together, their voices echoing like thunder.
Derek stood alone at the front of the hall. He looked at the hundreds of bowed heads. He looked at the empty golden throne.
