King Of The North (Book 3)

King Of The North (Book 3) by Shawn E. Crapo

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Authors: Shawn E. Crapo
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began. "Today, we lay to rest Queen Siobhan, daughter of King Magnus, my grandfather. Her rule shall never be forgotten, and her soul will live on in all of you. She will be remembered as the greatest Queen to ever sit upon the throne of Eirenoch. When I ascend to the throne, this will be my pact with you, the people, that I will serve you in the manner of my mother. I will devote my life to your happiness and well being. But I will not accept the crown this day!"
    The crowd came alive with muffled voices. Eamon looked among the people, waiting for his words to settle into their minds. "When Eirenoch is united, and its people are one, only then will I claim the throne!"
    Maedoc grimaced, knowing that Eamon's words meant he was to remain regent until such time as the Jindala were driven away. He glanced back to Erenoth, who smiled back at him. The Seer sneered, facing forward again as Eamon continued.
    "I will take my Knights back to the south, and defeat Queen Maebh's forces. I will claim her throne on her death or her surrender. Eirenoch shall be one again!"
    The crowd cheered, and the Knights raised their weapons into the sky. Eamon turned, motioning for the priests to carry the Queen into her final resting place. He then looked to each of his Knights. They stood proudly, looking like statues. Wrothgaar's eyes, however, were fixed on Eamon. The Prince nodded ever so slightly when his gaze was met. The Northman returned the gesture.
    As the Priests of Drakkar carried the Queen into the tomb, Eamon watched in sorrow. Never again would he look upon his mother's face, and never again would he hear her voice. She was gone forever, and the burden of the throne would soon be upon him.
    Eamon looked up as he felt Maedoc's hand on his shoulder. Erenoth joined them, standing in front of the Prince.
    "What are your plans?" Maedoc asked.
    "I think it is time to meet Khalid," Eamon replied. Then, looking up at the High Priest, "Erenoth, I want to form a new faction. Since you and your priests have the ability to take dragon form, I want you to serve as transportation for Khalid and his priests. You will carry them into battle, and fight alongside them."
    "As you wish, my Lord," Erenoth said. "I will seek out Khalid at your command."
    "You will be known as the Cloud Warriors."
    Erenoth nodded. "When you are ready, we will return you and your Knights to Argan."
    Eamon turned to Maedoc. "Have quarters prepared for the Knights," he said. "We will stay the night. Then, in the morning, the battle continues."
    "Very well, Eamon," Maedoc said. "But please get some rest. I will have the surgeon drug you if need be."
    Eamon chuckled. "Not necessary, but thank you. I am exhausted."
    "My lord?" Erenoth interrupted, nodding toward the Knights, who still stood at attention at the top of the tomb.
    Eamon waved them down.
    "Sorry," he said. "Maybe I really do need some sleep. Though it has been troubled of late."
    "Shall I inform the surgeon?" Maedoc asked.
    "No, I will be fine."
    The Priests of Drakkar emerged from the tomb, each one grasping a handle of the heavy stone door to move it into place. It rolled with a grinding sound until it finally slammed into place, sealing the tomb forever. Eamon swallowed again, knowing that the door would never again be opened. Not while Eirenoch still stood.
    "Goodbye, Mother," he whispered.
    The crowd began to line up to place flowers at the door of the tomb. One by one, they placed their offerings wherever there was room, pausing to grieve and say their silent prayers. Among them, Ulrich had an offering of elk horns and a flagon of Northern wine. Eamon smiled as he saw the Northman. Wrothgaar, seeing his father, went to embrace him. The Prince met the two of them near the far right tomb.
    "Ulrich," Eamon said. "It is good to see you."
    Ulrich turned from Wrothgaar, still half embracing his son. "And you, Prince Eamon. I came to pay my respects to the Queen. She was a great woman, and a great friend to our people.

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