Kassadea had woken up early this morning, and had been busy preparing for the coronation that was to begin shortly.

Maylin, who had just bustled into Kassadea’s bedchamber, was a short and plump woman with graying hair; she had been Kassadea’s nanny when Kassadea had been young and had continued to serve her. Occasionally however Maylin would remind Kassadea that she had once been the one to bend her over her knee and give her a paddling.

Kassadea turned, and a smile came to her face as she greeted her friend.

“Oh! Maylin I’m so glad you’re here,” said Kassadea rather excitedly.

“Well I can’t be leaving you alone on a day like this,” said Maylin in a cheery tone.

The two women hugged and Kassadea said, “I’m so happy despite everything that has been happening.”

“Oh Kassadea,” Jedin and Maylin—the only two people that are close enough to dare address me without using my proper titles, thought Kassadea as Maylin continued, “this is a great day for you and Volerum. The kingdom needs a strong leader like you to direct them through times of trial,” said Maylin, giving Kassadea her vote of confidence. “And your dress does look lovely,” added Maylin.

Kassadea was wearing an elegant aged-ivory colored dress made of silk. It was simple yet beautiful; it flowed and puffed out at the skirt then ended with a short train.

Kassadea’s long, dark hair was in a tight knot at the crown of her head. Her hair also had small pearl beads threaded into it.

Kassadea looked into her mirror and back at Maylin, who was also dressed up for the occasion, and said, “Well we should to be off to the throne room; the coronation is about to begin,” making an obvious effort not to run her hands across her dress. 

The two of them left to go down to where the coronation was to take place. As they went, Kassadea’s mind was full, and she could hardly remember the trials that had taken place in the kingdom.

When they came to the throne room entrance, Maylin went in and sat down in the front row next to her husband, a knight named Eljen, while Kassadea waited just beyond the door.

Soon the doors were opened once more and Kassadea’s presence was announced by the doorman. As she entered, the attendants arose and an orchestra started playing a portion of Volerum’s anthem, which had been written in celebration of the human victory at the end of the Demon War.

Before her was the podium, upon which stood Jedin, bearing the Wand of Inheritance. Beyond Jedin stood the Throne of Volerum with the Rose Crown resting in its seat. To the right of the throne stood Jerith, a well-built gray haired man who was the head knight of Volerum. He carried an emerald sword that had power to deflect magic, and was wearing the formal uniform of the Royal Guard: red pants and a red coat with white trim and silver buttons.

Kassadea moved slowly in a paced procession toward the throne, and soon she was at the step of the podium, where she knelt before Jedin.           

“Who is this that kneels before me the Royal Mage?” said Jedin in a commanding tone.

“I, Kassadea, Princess of Volerum, kneel to petition the Royal Mage,” replied Kassadea humbly.

“For what cause do you petition me?” asked Jedin.

“For my right to the Wand of Inheritance,” said Kassadea.  

“Kassadea, this wand was the tool that saved our world from the demon hordes long ago. As Queen it will be your responsibility to wield this wand to protect the people of this land. Do you swear to serve the people of Volerum in all your endeavors?”

“I so swear,” said Kassadea.

Jedin placed the Wand of Inheritance in the hands of Kassadea. “Kassadea I hereby proclaim you Queen of Volerum. Now stand and take your place as ruler of this land,” said Jedin with a smile.

Kassadea nodded, and then arose; Jerith then placed the Rose Crown on her head. She then turned to the audience, bowing with the wand resting in her outstretched hands.    Then stepping back she sat in the throne, finishing the ceremony.  

With the ceremony over, Jedin stepped forward.  Kassadea watched him focus as he held out his hand and called out, “Sillno!” and the seats that the audience had been seated in faded and vanished. She had known how tediously Jedin had worked to put the spell in place, and his smile gave away how pleased he was with its effect.

Kassadea then clapped her hands and the orchestra started playing a pleasant and familiar tune that the people danced to.

Jedin turned to Kassadea, “May I have this dance,” he asked with a smile.

Kassadea turned and nodded her consent. She then tucked the wand into a special sash that she wore, and took Jedin’s had to dance.

As they danced, Kassadea noticed an old woman that was wearing a rather unpleasant brown dress. The lady seemed to be following them around the ballroom.

Jedin saw her too and started dancing his way to where Jerith and his wife were dancing. Kassadea didn’t know why the woman made her feel so uncomfortable, but there was something cold about her presence that made her feel nervous, especially with her following so close.

The tune ended, and they went over to where Jerith was, but as Jerith turned to meet them, the woman seized the Wand of Inheritance from Kassadea. As the woman took the wand, her disguise flashed and melted away. Moira stood in her place, holding the Wand of Inheritance.

“Now with the last artifact I can release the seals and take the demon worlds!” said Moira in a triumphant voice.

Jerith had drawn his sword and Jedin had prepared to cast a spell, but before they could strike, Moira put her hand to her pendent and vanished.

“The wand! I must find it,” said Kassadea. Jedin began to protest what she was saying, but she cut him off, “It’s my duty to protect the wand, I must go.”   

“Kassadea, Moira is a powerful mage even without the Wand of Inheritance, but with it, I fear that her powers have increased exceedingly.  Please at least take me with you. I know her magic and…”

Before Jedin could finish, Kassadea cut in “Yes, yes, Jedin.”

“Queen Kassadea, allow me to come as well; you need my strength and a sword that can deflect her magic,” said Jerith.

Kassadea nodded, and Jerith sheathed his sword.

“Well at least she didn’t torch the palace,” said Jedin.

Kassadea shook her head, but was secretly thankful for Jedin’s dumb remark.