Ariel's Charm
Page 20
As her eyes travelled over the celebrating masses a smile touched her lips as she saw Marco nearby tipping a mischie-vous wink at her. She could feel a deep and profound joy welling to the surface of her heart as she digested the fact that she had just been crowned a Queen. Ariel lifted her chin high and faced the future her parents had planned for her before they fled the land of their birth. She found the future no longer frightened her as it had once. The future now looked as bright, golden and enduring as the Walhalla sky.
THE END
In the distant sections of the assembled crowd a malevolent figure watched the scene unfold. The people in that area avoided a particular space in their midst. They could not see anything; they only felt something cold and dark they wished to avoid. A heavy cloak covered the otherworldly creature that stood among them. Strange yellow eyes glittered with malice and they watched the people of Walhalla celebrate the coronation of their new queen. A thin smile touched its mouth as it enjoyed watching the capering fools toast Queen Ariel. These fools would be all too easy to control when the time came. Control or destroy; either option was acceptable. The time would come again when it would rise to power. It was as sure as the red Walhalla sun. Yes it could wait …
Epilogue
A few days after the coronation …
As the queen slept peacefully in her chambers, lost in dreams of a golden future, another part of Walhalla was in conflict. Voices raised in heated discussion emerged from the War room of Walhalla palace. An assorted group of generals and other mili-tary personnel were gathered, their mood sombre, their expressions worried. At the head of the table Reynaldo sat watching the debate, his gaze thoughtful, his posture seemingly relaxed while his mind raced. How could he have been so blind? He had been so sure that returning Dariew’s heir to the throne would make all the mistakes of the past erased for good. He had been so sure that Ariel’s ascension would bring back the Walhalla of his youth, a world of peace and contentment. But he was wrong. He should have known that once innocence was lost it could not be regained.
Already the rumours were reaching the palace. Rumours of splinter groups forming; groups of soldiers loyal to Largo were amassing in outer areas. These men refused to swear loyalty to the young queen so they had fled.
Marco’s voice could be heard above the others. ‘I don’t believe it, Dalmar. The people of Walhalla are joyous that Dariew’s heir is now on the throne.’
Dalmar cocked his head slightly as he looked at the younger man. Was he ever that idealistic? He shook his head slightly as he realised, yes, he had been.
‘Marco, this happens in every kingdom. There will always be those who seek power. There are always those who seek to create unrest; those who want war.’
Marco blanched as he realised that the older man was right.
Reynaldo watched and thought. Mostly he thought of the warning the Ancient Ones had given him when he left Crystal City, a warning of future bloodshed and a throne in doubt.
Walhalla Royal Family Tree
The Ancient Ones ruled Walhalla for much of history
then, stepped aside to allow men to decide,
their own fate.
The Ancient Ones selected
Walhalla’s first king and queen: