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Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 100

“You have been busy Seileach. Again, please allow me to offer my deepest respect for this council and its members. As for my last piece of business I wish to share with this council, as of the day of my coronation, I will formally renounce the throne for myself and all of my progeny.” A hush fell over the room as DynDoeth wrapped his hand around Joulupukki's arm. He whispered, “Are you sure about this?” He turned to DynDoeth and simply nodded. Dyndoeth nodded back, reassuringly. Joulupukki knew his friend would support him in what ever choice he made. “I will wait until after being crowned King before I formally declare that the Clans' Council will be the new governing body of the elfin people, answerable only to the elves who vote them into their positions and that I am declining the most honorable right of being the new Elf King. I do not in any way wish to denigrate the proud tradition of the descendants of royalty through the family of monarchs that proceed me, nor do I wish to insult any of the older elves who have fought for the continuation of the Village Kingdom such as my wonderful friend Ceridfen.” She stepped forward. “I believe in the right of the King,” she said, “but after a rather lengthy discussion that the King and I had this morning, I believe he is correct in this decision. I know him to be a good man and he would make an exceptional King. Perhaps, even better than his father, who I respect and love with all of my heart, but what comes next. In the words of a very wise man, can we take that chance?” She looked at him and he smiled. “Thank you,” he said, as she stepped back to join DynDoeth, “I have decided, to help in this transition by creating a new position which will have no power over the decisions of the council but that will offer insight into the councils debates. This position, much like that of king, will, for now, be hereditary in nature but will act only as a consult to the council with a single vote at times when tied votes are unbreakable. I, for now, will call it Regal Consult. If anyone can think of a better name, please inform me. If you would, Seileach, please have the scribe put this to paper so I can sign it at the coronation. That is all I have, Seileach. I thank you and the Council for your time.” “This is unexpected,” Seileach stated. “After your fight to become King I was under the impression that being king was your goal.” He stopped as he thought about what this meant in the long term. This king, this half human was not after power as he had thought. He did not care about ruling a nation, perhaps, he did not even want to have that much control. He thought about the actions that the King had taken since he first arrived in the Village. He thought about the arrogance he had shown to the Council, equaling that of Rian himself, and realized that he did that because of Rian. He had declared himself son of Erlenkönig. He had not declared himself king. Seileach could not remember Joulupukki ever referring to himself as king. He had been cold to Joulupukki, even after he had come to realize that the young half-ling would make a very strong king, and maybe even a good king. He felt a bit of loss thinking that he would no longer be their king and realized that he had misunderstood Joulupukki's intentions from the beginning. Now he had brought back one of their most beloved heroes to the Village and retrieved the remains of their most beloved King and Queen to be re-interred at the Keep. “I think I speak for all of us here, you will be welcome as our King if you wish to change your mind before the coronation.” There was silent consent from all of the Councilman as Joulupukki turned and started out of the chamber. “Joulupukki.” the half elf turned to see the entire council standing, “My King,” Seileach said as he and each of the other members bowed deeply before him. He returned their bow with a nod of his head. “Seileach,” he heard Dyndoeth call out, “late meal tonight?” “We're having stuffed mushrooms,” Ceridfen added. The Elder Councilman was caught off guard, “Um, yes, thank you.” he hesitantly but happily responded.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Book: Shattered Sighs