From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [223]
And Sir Eagan said, with a wink to his daughter, “The people from here to the north say they will.”
The four men turned and walked back to the center, then returned to their original places at the front of the audience.
Toros turned to face Achan and smiled. “Will you, King Gidon Hadar, son of Axel, solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of Er’Rets according to its laws and customs?”
Achan said the first of several lines Sir Caleb had made him memorize. “I solemnly promise to do so.”
“Will you cause law and justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?”
“I will.”
“Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of Arman and the true profession of the Book of Life?”
“All this I promise to do, so help me, Arman.”
Prince Oren then approached, carrying a thick book. The Book of Arman. He handed it to Achan, who took it in both hands. “Here is wisdom and the mouthpiece of Arman, the most valuable thing this land has to offer.”
Achan slid the book onto a shelf under his throne, then said, “Upon Arman’s word I will always sit, stand, and rule this land. For it is the only foundation that is unshakable.” Achan looked to Sparrow, nodded, and together they sat.
Then Prince Oren, Sir Gavin, Sir Eagan, and Sir Caleb returned, this time each holding a pole of a square canopy made of golden brocade. They positioned themselves so that the canopy covered Achan and Sparrow.
A servant carried a glass jar to Toros, who held it up, then stepped before Achan. “King Gidon Hadar, by the authority of Arman, I anoint you with oil that has been consecrated. As King Echâd, the first king was anointed, so be you anointed, blessed, and consecrated King over all the peoples of Er’Rets, whom Arman has given you to rule and govern, in the name of Arman, may it be so.” He tipped the jar over Achan’s head. The cool oil tickled Achan’s scalp, ran down behind one ear, down his left cheek, and streamed off the front of his hair.
Toros then placed his hand on Achan’s head. “King Gidon Hadar, by the authority of Arman, I lay my hand upon your head, seal, and confirm the anointing and herby pronounce a blessing upon your life and reign.”
Toros closed his eyes and began to pray, “Holy Arman, the exalter of the humble and the strength of thy chosen King, bless and sanctify Your servant Gidon, who by Your call and our agreement was anointed with this oil and consecrated King. Grant Your servant the spirit of wisdom and government, that being devoted to You with his whole heart, he may govern wisely, that his time in this office may be in safety, persevering in good works unto the end, and by Your mercy and timing, come into Your everlasting kingdom. May it be as I have said.”
The audience voiced their agreement.
Then Toros anointed Sparrow and prayed a similar blessing over her. She squeezed Achan’s hand the entire time, but did not speak to his mind.
Prince Oren and the knights carried the canopy away. Toros then faced the audience and asked them to stand.
A young man approached carrying a pillow with a huge crown on top. The pillow had a strap, which the man wore around his neck. The crown looked heavy indeed, made of gold and red velvet and encrusted with hundreds of jewels. A second young man followed, gripping a staff in one hand. It was as tall as the man carrying it, made of dark wood and topped with an ivory carving of the two-headed eagle, the symbol of the Hadar name. Golden rings were spaced around the staff, one for every king who had ruled Er’Rets.
Toros took the crown from the pillow and lifted it in the air. “Arman, we offer up this crown, and Your servant Gidon upon whose head You will place it, as a sign of royal majesty, that he may be filled by Your abundant grace and all kingly virtues. In Your eternal name, may it be so.”
Toros placed the crown on Achan’s head, simultaneously stealing Achan’s breath. The crown was stiff and heavy. It sank onto his head, stopped by some inner lining that kept it from falling over his eyes.
Toros then took the scepter from the boy