“I, Interim Minister Rowana Calder, hereby charge you, Highlord Commander Vecent Haadge, to protect the Doorstunds Province of Allund with your equity and strength.”
Vecent also bowed as Rowana pinned a platinum and ruby badge to the lapel of his coat next to where the flickering Fire Relic hung.
The ministers stepped back. “Do you both swear to uphold these charges?” Daulton asked.
“We do,” the Bonded couple said together.
“Then,” Rowana continued, “by the authority vested in the Administration of Allund, we hereby appoint you as overseers of the Order of the Flame and sovereigns of Doorstunds Province.”
Another round of applause rang throughout the hall. Deckard watched Ethenn and Ilain carefully, noting their shared look of acceptance. They’d given up this path for an unknown future. Yet, Deckard didn’t spot a trace of doubt in their expressions.
The coronation proceeded in a clockwise manner around the assembly. Beneath the yellow, sun-embroidered banner of Day, Highlady Chancellor Nessa and Highlord Commander Sidney Geis were appointed as overseers of the Order of the Day and sovereigns of Helsford Province, located in the northeastern region of Allund. Having collaborated with Deckard and Evylin in Loclight for an extended period, Nessa and Sidney had proven to be both amicable and wise, leading Deckard to confidently conclude that they would serve as effective leaders for the populace in that region, as well as valuable allies to Ilain and Ethenn’s cause.
The banner, adorned with sapphire and decorated with motifs of the sea, swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze that flowed through the hall as Highlady Chancellor Pennieand Highlord Commander Aarl Swartz were appointed as overseers of the Order of the Sea and sovereigns of Portlund Province, which included what was previously recognized as the southwestern region of Ephria.
Highlord Chancellor Grey and Highlady Commander Alma Trumane were placed in charge of the Order of the Night and the Verlund Province. For the Order of the Wind, Highlady Chancellor Oriel and Highlord Commander Sean Olsen were assigned to Sutterlund Province. In Vaura Province, Highlord Chancellor Nicholson and the newly discovered Highlady Commander Ailsa Everlye were to oversee the Order of the Age. Finally, Highlady Chancellor Wintie and Highlord Commander Samel Feelds were tasked with the Order of the Terrae and the governance of Shirelund Province, which contained the Deckards’ childhood homes.
At last, their coronation came.
Gisele ascended the steps as the ministers advanced to greet her. Deckard rose alongside Evylin. He clasped her hand tightly, staving off the anxiety that shot tremors through his body. He caught a bead of anxious anticipation woven in the excitement radiating off her, but she held her head high, undaunted in the face of the vast charge that lay ahead of them.
The archminister approached, gleaming insignia in her hand. “I, Archminister Linne Essen, hereby charge you, Highlord Chancellor Jonn Deckard, to lead the Loclight Province of Allund with your wisdom and insight.”
Deckard remained as still as possible while she affixed a gold badge to his coat. Up close, he could see the design more clearly as it rested by the Relic around his neck. It was an eight-sided star, inlaid with onyx and moonstone—a beautifully crafted, intricate piece.
“I, Minister Ross Maarsh, charge you, Highlady Commander Evylin Deckard, to protect the Loclight Province of Allund with your equity and strength.”
Evylin lowered her head for the man to fasten the platinum and onyx chain around her neck. It sparkled brilliantly in the late morning light as she turned to look up at Deckard, her expression a mix of disbelief and laughter. Even as she stifled her amusement, her dimples filled her face with joy.
Deckard shared her astonishment. Far beyond his wildest imagination, this was not the person he envisioned becoming. Yet, as he stood beside Evylin on the dais, he realized he wouldn’t want to be anyone else.
“Do you both swear to uphold these charges?” Minister Maarsh asked.
“We do,” Deckard and Evylin replied in unity.
“Then by the authority vested in the Administration of Allund,” Archminister Essen announced, “we appoint you as overseers of the Order of the Heavens and sovereigns of Loclight Province.”
As the last of Allund’s sovereigns was appointed, the hall erupted in a cacophony of applause and cheers. The old ways were gone, and magic was renewed.
The Republic of Allund had arrived.
CHAPTER SEVENTY
13TH OF TERRAEN, 1578
The ministers honored their word. Amidst their service to the country over the next four years, Evylin and Deckard had regular opportunities to visit family and friends. While they often remained in Loclight due to their responsibilities—Evylin training with the Warriors and Deckard collaborating with the Mages while managing the province—every day brought something new. Though the work was not always thrilling, Evylin appreciated the variety it offered.
Additionally, the Alliance conceded to their wish to continue residing in their home located in the Military District. This arrangement allowed Evylin to conveniently reach the barracks while Deckard had a quick journey to the Order’s headquarters, located in the old Ephrian palace. Each morning, they would separate to pursue their respective duties, with Brea accompanying Evylin and Thom going with Deckard.
While Norhels was a week’s journey away, they saw Ethenn and Ilain as regularly as they could—though it wound up being once a season at the most. However, they were making grand progress on the cure, with Maura’s body now transferred to the Order of the Day, where they cared for her, ensuring she didn’t succumb to death in the pursuit of her healing.
The Loxleys and Calders were quite happy. After their short stint as interim ministers, the Calder parents sold their home in Faurna to move to East Allund with their family. Though Vayden remained single, he enjoyed his quiet life near the sea. He and his father bought land to raise horses together. Reyana had blossomed into a stunning young woman, studying dutifully at her aunt’s side. Though she wasn’t magical, she wished to assist the research for the cure in whatever way she could.
During a trip to Loclight the previous month, Ilain announced her pregnancy. Thom teased Ethenn mercilessly about becoming a father, but the once-young hunter had matured into an immovable highlord. He didn’t flinch at the suggestion of his impending duties as a father but proudly stated that he looked forward to every challenge it presented. As this would be their first child, Ilain firmly believed it would be a boy whom they would name Auden. Ethenn offered no objections.
The Deckard family was quite pleased with their lives as well. The Order of the Heavens, while the smallest of the Orders with only fifteen Space Mages and a few dozen Warriors, was nonetheless known for its remarkable qualities.
Deckard proved to be an exceptional leader who dedicated himself to mastering Space magic and encouraged the Mages of the Order to do the same. He was well-liked, as was to be expected, because he treated everyone with respect and shared his knowledge freely. Their enclave was marked by calmness, control, and commitment to the craft. The Mages embodied the deep peace and steadiness of Space itself.
