All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 25

"What?" Darin and Jano objected in unison.

"I am not validly the First Knight of the Knights of Deren; I cannot validly act as chancellor in a coronation."

"Why?" Darin asked, noting that Jano fell silent.

"As a chosen communicant of the Water Lord, my obligation to the king cannot be considered unwavering and I am thus ineligible to have the position of First Knight."

"Who has the authority to strip you from your position?" Darin asked.

"The king or his chosen representative only."

"Well, Draynor is dead, so there is no king. By default, that makes the regent the king pro tempore."

"And I have already said I will not remove him," Jano replied. "So let's get on with this coronation. At the moment, you act with the authority of the crown. If Tralin takes issue with your divided devotion, he can remove you as king himself."

"What irony. I coronate the man who strips me from my position."

"If he strips you," Darin responded.

"This is a matter of honor and therefore he must. Tralin appreciates the responsibility of order and tradition."

"Aye. That he does, it seems."

The group fell silent and moved through Deren quickly and quietly. After pushing through a small crowd that had become aware of the Royal Navy at port, they boarded the ship and moved to Tralin's cabin.

Darin knocked hard twice.

"Enter," Tralin said from inside.

Darin entered the room and approached Tralin.

"Lord Prince, the Royal Regent and First Knight," he said stiffly and withdrew.

"I am sorry, Darin," Tralin responded, his demeanor and voice showing genuine remorse.

"You're forgiven," Darin replied, startled, and then withdrew.

"Stay, Darin, we need witnesses. It is fitting one of my newest and one of my oldest friends should be here at this time..."

"Shall we commence?" Jano asked.

"Yes, let us finish this," Tralin responded, grieved.

"Lord Regent, here presented is the heir to the throne of Deren. Do you recognize his claim and relinquish to him in perpetuity your claim to the throne of Deren?"

"I do," Jano replied anxiously.

"Lord Prince, do you accept the throne of Deren in full knowledge and acceptance of its responsibility and obligation to the nation and people of Deren?"

"I do," Tralin responded.

"Do you verify the death of King Draynor, your father?"

"I do."

"And are you aware of any others who, by right of birth or position, might have priority of right to the throne?"

"I am not. There are none."

"Then kneel," Cerin said, moving to the table and taking Draynor's crown.

Tralin knelt and Cerin lowered the crown upon his head.

"By my authority as Royal Chancellor and First Knight, representing the royal family of Deren, I coronate you and proclaim you King over Deren and all of its environs and territories."

Tralin rose.

"Long live the king."

"Long live the king," the others echoed.