The Lost King
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BONES OF ANCIENT KING FOUND; EMPEROR TO VISIT ESPLANDIA
Bones of Esplandian King Sherwin II found at city of Karthied; state funeral at Rathburg announced
SNN News | Posted: March 5, 2017
His Magnificence the Emperor during an official interview on the subject of Sherwin II's bones being discovered.
PATALIPUTRA, SYRIXIA- Esplandia's Crown Royal College in the city of Tiberus has announced the discovery of the remains of Esplandian King Sherwin II at their dig site in the old Eastgate District of the city of Karthied. Sherwin was killed at the Battle of Eastgate during the Imperial invasion of Vestrugatia and subsequent colonization. His death marked a three year period without a king, and nearly plunged Esplandia into chaos. The Empire, for many years, taught in schools that Sherwin was an inherently evil being, and under Imperial rule search requests for his bones were denied and Karthied was subjected to urban decay.
Sherwin's body was never recovered and many in both Esplandia and the Empire have speculated he had likely been buried in one of many mass graves outside the city. The recovery of his remains will mean that the king will finally be interred with the rest of his ancestors and progeny in Esplandia's royal tombs at Rathburg. The Esplandians have said the King's bones had indeed been found in a mass grave over a year ago, however now DNA testing has finally concluded, and has come out positive for the lost king, the only monarch of Esplandia whose body is not interred in the Esplandian royal tombs.
The current monarch of Esplandia, Sherwin V, has announced that his ancestor shall receive a state funeral. His remains will be put on display for seven days where he can be viewed by the public, and on the seventh day a procession will transport Sherwin II from Karthied to Rathburg where he will be interred. Rumors have abounded that, since heads of state throughout the international community have been invited, His Magnificence the Emperor shall be attending as well as a show of solidarity and support for Esplandia and the continued improvement of relations between the two nations. Today, in a special interview with the Emperor himself, this was all but confirmed.
"I am already in the process of preparing to depart." the Emperor stated. "A long-dead king has been found, and, in accordance with traditions and the reverence of ancestors, he is quite rightfully being given a state funeral by the Esplandians." When asked what he thought about the Empire's role in Sherwin II's death, the Emperor had this to say: "The Empire had a direct role in his death, unfortunately, and that is another reason I intend to appear at the funeral. Without our history, we are nothing- and this funeral highlights an important, albeit sad part of history for both our nations. Esplandia lost a king, and the Empire committed regicide. That is the plain and simple truth. It would be extremely rude for me NOT to attend."
© Imperial Broadcasting Corporation, 2017. All rights reserved.
The discovery of the Sherwin II's bones was probably the most important cultural event to happen in Esplandia within the last ten years. All the monarchs of Esplandia were buried within the tombs at Rathburg, except him. At last all the monarchs would be united in their eternal rest.
And now a Syrixian Emperor was coming to Esplandia to witness the bones being put to rest. Rajesh III attendance would symbolically undo the the hurt of Rajesh I. Needless to say there were protests. Syrixans were not popular in the Vestrugat, and there were still those who held them in contempt even after nearly two hundred years of freedom from their rule. There was increased security and police presence in Karthied, and the Huskavrls were tasked with patrolling the route between the capital and the tombs.
The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of National Security were both working around the clock to make sure everything was under control. Any protests that got too rowdy were quickly dispersed and a number of ringleaders had been arrested. While many people were flooding into the city for the coming funeral and procession, most it seemed were there to pay their respects to the missing monarch.
Sherwin sat at his desk, looking out over the well kept gardens of Rathburg. It was a rare slow moment for him. He had been looking over a number of reports but the warm breeze and bird song coming in his window had won his attention. He took a sip of his beer and leaned back in his chair. Truthfully he had been working himself too hard, what with the work of getting the Hastfradic League off the ground. He wasn't a young man anymore. Unlike the Syrixian emperor who was almost half Sherwin's age. Maybe not that much, but Sherwin certainly felt ancient.
His relationship with the emperor had always been cordial, but never friendly. They weren't enemies, but had been political rivals in the past. Such it was when there had been a movement to through off the stain of imperial rule. Now the winds were changing and many people were embracing their Syrixian and Hastfradic roots. At least in Esplandia. Perhaps relations would improve, if all went well.
The King finished his beer and forced himself to finish reading his reports. He would be leaving to return to Karthied that evening. He wanted to be present for the arrival of the Emperor and be there to personally welcome him to Esplandia.
And now a Syrixian Emperor was coming to Esplandia to witness the bones being put to rest. Rajesh III attendance would symbolically undo the the hurt of Rajesh I. Needless to say there were protests. Syrixans were not popular in the Vestrugat, and there were still those who held them in contempt even after nearly two hundred years of freedom from their rule. There was increased security and police presence in Karthied, and the Huskavrls were tasked with patrolling the route between the capital and the tombs.
The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of National Security were both working around the clock to make sure everything was under control. Any protests that got too rowdy were quickly dispersed and a number of ringleaders had been arrested. While many people were flooding into the city for the coming funeral and procession, most it seemed were there to pay their respects to the missing monarch.
Sherwin sat at his desk, looking out over the well kept gardens of Rathburg. It was a rare slow moment for him. He had been looking over a number of reports but the warm breeze and bird song coming in his window had won his attention. He took a sip of his beer and leaned back in his chair. Truthfully he had been working himself too hard, what with the work of getting the Hastfradic League off the ground. He wasn't a young man anymore. Unlike the Syrixian emperor who was almost half Sherwin's age. Maybe not that much, but Sherwin certainly felt ancient.
His relationship with the emperor had always been cordial, but never friendly. They weren't enemies, but had been political rivals in the past. Such it was when there had been a movement to through off the stain of imperial rule. Now the winds were changing and many people were embracing their Syrixian and Hastfradic roots. At least in Esplandia. Perhaps relations would improve, if all went well.
The King finished his beer and forced himself to finish reading his reports. He would be leaving to return to Karthied that evening. He wanted to be present for the arrival of the Emperor and be there to personally welcome him to Esplandia.
The Emperor sat with Diwan Sahab and Harish Staltenberg, the Syrixian ambassador to Esplandia, a man of both Syrixian and Esplandian descent, with great excitement. The Vestrugat had always been a subject of fascination in the minds of Syrixians- the variety, vibrancy, and beauty of the lands, the people, and the numerous states there. This captivation was well-engraved into the minds of all three men, as their plane flew to Esplandia.
It was a beautiful <MONTH, WILL EDIT LATER> morning, and the State Curator was excited. He was looking forward to improving relations with Esplandia and, possibly, the rest of the Hastfradic League. He and the Ambassador sat together, talking about what was or could be to come. Rajesh, meanwhile, sat alone. He was excited, too, but his courageous and bold words on SNN hid deeper feelings on the matter. Regicide. He thought the word to himself over and over again. Regicide. Regicide. Regicide.
Did Rajesh I have to be so savage so as to murder a king and sack a city- and then to mandate that the former, and now current once again, capital of Esplandia be left to rot in disrepair as an act of further distaste towards the memory of a valiant leader? Colonization was obviously a messy business- it was not easy for Syrixia to assemble one of the largest empires the world had ever known- but was there a moral line that his ancestor had crossed?
But moral dilemmas and things of the far past were not going to bring him down. As he walked out of the plane into Esplandia, Rajesh stepped into the future.
It was a beautiful <MONTH, WILL EDIT LATER> morning, and the State Curator was excited. He was looking forward to improving relations with Esplandia and, possibly, the rest of the Hastfradic League. He and the Ambassador sat together, talking about what was or could be to come. Rajesh, meanwhile, sat alone. He was excited, too, but his courageous and bold words on SNN hid deeper feelings on the matter. Regicide. He thought the word to himself over and over again. Regicide. Regicide. Regicide.
Did Rajesh I have to be so savage so as to murder a king and sack a city- and then to mandate that the former, and now current once again, capital of Esplandia be left to rot in disrepair as an act of further distaste towards the memory of a valiant leader? Colonization was obviously a messy business- it was not easy for Syrixia to assemble one of the largest empires the world had ever known- but was there a moral line that his ancestor had crossed?
But moral dilemmas and things of the far past were not going to bring him down. As he walked out of the plane into Esplandia, Rajesh stepped into the future.
Sherwin was there to great the emperor as he came down from the plane. He greater Rajesh with all the honors of his position and then welcomed the State Curator and the Syrixian Ambassador to Esplandia.
Sherwin than introduced his own enterouge. The first was Duke Alwyn Skywing, Esplandia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and then Sherwin's closest friend, Baeleg Gent the Count of Kalter. Baeleg, Like Harish Staltenberg was of Syrixian and Hastfradic decent.
After the introductions Sherwin lead the way to a enterouge waiting cars which would carry the Syrixian leaders through the Untermaer tunnel underneath Lake Erde that ran from the airport on the western shores of the lake to Karthied on the eastern side.
Royal guard and Karthied police would escort them the whole way to Vestrujardeg Abby where the remains of Sherwin II were displayed. Once they came out of the tunnel they would be joined by additional guards pulled from the ranks of the Huskavrls.
A thought came into Sherwin's head and he wondered what the emperor would think of the Huskavrls. They had been a product of the occupation and were in many ways, instrumental in driving out the empire. Perhaps he'd take a moment to mention them to the emperor once they reached Karthied, but for now as they all settled into the car, Sherwin merely asked, "Would anyone like a beer perhaps?"
Sherwin than introduced his own enterouge. The first was Duke Alwyn Skywing, Esplandia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and then Sherwin's closest friend, Baeleg Gent the Count of Kalter. Baeleg, Like Harish Staltenberg was of Syrixian and Hastfradic decent.
After the introductions Sherwin lead the way to a enterouge waiting cars which would carry the Syrixian leaders through the Untermaer tunnel underneath Lake Erde that ran from the airport on the western shores of the lake to Karthied on the eastern side.
Royal guard and Karthied police would escort them the whole way to Vestrujardeg Abby where the remains of Sherwin II were displayed. Once they came out of the tunnel they would be joined by additional guards pulled from the ranks of the Huskavrls.
A thought came into Sherwin's head and he wondered what the emperor would think of the Huskavrls. They had been a product of the occupation and were in many ways, instrumental in driving out the empire. Perhaps he'd take a moment to mention them to the emperor once they reached Karthied, but for now as they all settled into the car, Sherwin merely asked, "Would anyone like a beer perhaps?"
Ceretis
Of air and darkness
<February 27, 2017>
Harold took in the sight of the glittering lights of downtown Sion in the distance as staff finished setting food and refreshments on the buffet. Below he could see the last couple small council members cars arrive. Taking a sip of a fresh Owhelan coffee he watched as they were caught off guard by the brisk morning wind causing them to scurry into the warmth of the palace, it put a slight smile on his face.
The early morning routine was true as ever as Harold ate breakfast with members of the council and other alternating government figures. Director of Strategic Services, Gabriel Piskor would give his daily intelligence briefing with input and discussion. All seemed rather garden-variety with half expected tensions and minor wars across Eras especially those in The North Pacific; what is new? One item, however, brought a bit of interest, OSS agents from the embassy in Esplandia reported the bones of Sherwin II had been confirmed found.
The news brightened his day, he might have an official reason to go visiting in Esplandia; or so he hoped, but until it was official he'd have to wait anticipantly.
<Current time>
It had been quite some time since Harry had seen his friend Sherwin, and even longer since he'd seen Esplandia, life was just too busy as of late. He was excited to see with his own eyes what was new and what has changed especially with the formation of the Hastfradic League. He wouldn't have too long to wait as the jet cut through the skies at Mach 3 making short work of the long trip from the north. Making their final approach to Karthied's airport his family settled into their seats. With the expected bump and squeal of the tires on the runway, they had arrived.
Harold took in the sight of the glittering lights of downtown Sion in the distance as staff finished setting food and refreshments on the buffet. Below he could see the last couple small council members cars arrive. Taking a sip of a fresh Owhelan coffee he watched as they were caught off guard by the brisk morning wind causing them to scurry into the warmth of the palace, it put a slight smile on his face.
The early morning routine was true as ever as Harold ate breakfast with members of the council and other alternating government figures. Director of Strategic Services, Gabriel Piskor would give his daily intelligence briefing with input and discussion. All seemed rather garden-variety with half expected tensions and minor wars across Eras especially those in The North Pacific; what is new? One item, however, brought a bit of interest, OSS agents from the embassy in Esplandia reported the bones of Sherwin II had been confirmed found.
The news brightened his day, he might have an official reason to go visiting in Esplandia; or so he hoped, but until it was official he'd have to wait anticipantly.
<Current time>
It had been quite some time since Harry had seen his friend Sherwin, and even longer since he'd seen Esplandia, life was just too busy as of late. He was excited to see with his own eyes what was new and what has changed especially with the formation of the Hastfradic League. He wouldn't have too long to wait as the jet cut through the skies at Mach 3 making short work of the long trip from the north. Making their final approach to Karthied's airport his family settled into their seats. With the expected bump and squeal of the tires on the runway, they had arrived.
Prince Irwin awaited the arrival of the Tsar as his father was busy greeting the Syrixian delegation. Dressed in his white dress uniform of the submarine fleet, Irwin stood straight at attention watching the aircraft taxi towards the hanger. It would be interesting to see the Callahan's again as some of the Tsar's children he counted as friends.
Waiting along with him was Raum Kolta, the new Royal Chancellor. This was the first time the prince had met the man. He was pleasant and friendly, with an air of power. Irwin certainly liked him. He was sure the Ceretans would as well. Among the greeting party was the Ceretan Ambassador Richard Woolsey, who stood of to the side keeping an eye on things.
The plane taxied into the hanger and soon after the Ceretans departed their aircraft. As the Tsar approached Irwin greeted him and his family, welcoming them to Esplandia.
"I'm sorry my father couldn't be here for your arrival, but he does send his regards and waits for you at Vestrujardeg Abbey," Irwin said. "If you'll follow me we have some cars ready to take us all into the city."
Waiting along with him was Raum Kolta, the new Royal Chancellor. This was the first time the prince had met the man. He was pleasant and friendly, with an air of power. Irwin certainly liked him. He was sure the Ceretans would as well. Among the greeting party was the Ceretan Ambassador Richard Woolsey, who stood of to the side keeping an eye on things.
The plane taxied into the hanger and soon after the Ceretans departed their aircraft. As the Tsar approached Irwin greeted him and his family, welcoming them to Esplandia.
"I'm sorry my father couldn't be here for your arrival, but he does send his regards and waits for you at Vestrujardeg Abbey," Irwin said. "If you'll follow me we have some cars ready to take us all into the city."
"Your majesty, very good to see you!" Rajesh said in response with a cheerful smile, bowing his head slightly and respectfully, as Sherwin was not only a king in his own right but his elder. The State Curator was next, bowing his head respectfully to the King, and greeting him; as did the Ambassador, who then proceeded to greet Baeleg as well. After the introductions, the Imperial delegation was then led to a group of cars awaiting them; which would carry them through a tunnel underneath Lake Erde that ran from the airport to the city itself. Then, as the cars progressed through the tunnel, Sherwin turned to Rajesh, asking, "Would anyone like a beer perhaps?"
Rajesh smiled, replying, "That sounds fine! Thank you." Raising his glass, he then said "Shava"; the Syrixian "cheers", and took one shot. No more, though- not on an important day with an important visit. Rajesh could not help, however, but wonder about the Huskavrls. He had heard rumors that some of the guards during that day's proceedings would be from the ranks of the Huskavrls. Nothing was conclusive, but he certainly hoped there would be- a student of history, the Emperor knew full well when and why the Huskavrls were founded. Despite their history, however, he was very excited to see them, and, as Syrixian Jack did all those centuries ago, he admired their reputation of courage and their many achievements.
Rajesh smiled, replying, "That sounds fine! Thank you." Raising his glass, he then said "Shava"; the Syrixian "cheers", and took one shot. No more, though- not on an important day with an important visit. Rajesh could not help, however, but wonder about the Huskavrls. He had heard rumors that some of the guards during that day's proceedings would be from the ranks of the Huskavrls. Nothing was conclusive, but he certainly hoped there would be- a student of history, the Emperor knew full well when and why the Huskavrls were founded. Despite their history, however, he was very excited to see them, and, as Syrixian Jack did all those centuries ago, he admired their reputation of courage and their many achievements.
Sherwin returned the emperor's toast and took a long drought of his beer. It was a crisp light beer, one from his own brewery. He saw some of the Syrixians enjoyed it.
The car came out of the tunnel onto Queen Agnaska Parkway, then exited onto the Waterfront Parkway. The side streets had been blocked off and the way was lined by onlookers waving the flags of Esplandia and the Hastfradic League, as well as the flag of the Syrixian Empire.
The car headed north along the waterfront, with Lake Erde to the left and the lines of foreign embassies to the right. Sherwin took a moment to tell the emperor and the Syrixians a little about the city. The Parkway they were on now marked the location of the city walls, walls which had never been repaired and had fell into ruin until they were torn down after the Talamnic War during the postwar economic boom.
The car made a right onto a diagonal street heading towards the city center. The Embassies were replaced now by markets and theatres, office buildings and shops, a vibrant bustling district, packed full of onlookers watching the motorcade go by.
'This is the old port road which leads from the palace to the old west gate where the cities ports used to be. It's now called Katharin Street, and is the cities busiest thoroughfare after the Grand Parkway going from the north to the south gates of the city. Most of the cities premier theatres are on this street; perhaps you'll get a chance to visit one while you're here. I'd recommend seeing the play Vi Adast Baernet det Seregsaegken which is about the Syrixian Volunteers that fought against the communist advance during the early days of the Talamnic War.'
The car soon arrived outside of Vestrujardeg Abby, and the motorcade pulled to a stop at the foot of the stairs. Lining the stairs on either side were men dressed in the gray uniforms of the Huskavrls, their gold and black wolf emblems showing prominently on their upper sleeves.
'Here we are,' Sherwin said as the doors were opened by waiting aids.
The car came out of the tunnel onto Queen Agnaska Parkway, then exited onto the Waterfront Parkway. The side streets had been blocked off and the way was lined by onlookers waving the flags of Esplandia and the Hastfradic League, as well as the flag of the Syrixian Empire.
The car headed north along the waterfront, with Lake Erde to the left and the lines of foreign embassies to the right. Sherwin took a moment to tell the emperor and the Syrixians a little about the city. The Parkway they were on now marked the location of the city walls, walls which had never been repaired and had fell into ruin until they were torn down after the Talamnic War during the postwar economic boom.
The car made a right onto a diagonal street heading towards the city center. The Embassies were replaced now by markets and theatres, office buildings and shops, a vibrant bustling district, packed full of onlookers watching the motorcade go by.
'This is the old port road which leads from the palace to the old west gate where the cities ports used to be. It's now called Katharin Street, and is the cities busiest thoroughfare after the Grand Parkway going from the north to the south gates of the city. Most of the cities premier theatres are on this street; perhaps you'll get a chance to visit one while you're here. I'd recommend seeing the play Vi Adast Baernet det Seregsaegken which is about the Syrixian Volunteers that fought against the communist advance during the early days of the Talamnic War.'
The car soon arrived outside of Vestrujardeg Abby, and the motorcade pulled to a stop at the foot of the stairs. Lining the stairs on either side were men dressed in the gray uniforms of the Huskavrls, their gold and black wolf emblems showing prominently on their upper sleeves.
'Here we are,' Sherwin said as the doors were opened by waiting aids.
Ceretis
Of air and darkness
The Tsar paused for a moment in the warm breezy air of the south which was a rather pleasant reprieve from the long cold Ceretian winter. "Your father is a busy man Irwin, I'm sure we'll catch up to him soon enough. Though I am glad you were the one to greet us upon our arrival; the family has been looking forward to seeing you again. Also, when there is some time you'll have to tell me if you've been assigned to one of those new DSV subs."
Following Irwin's lead, the Tsar and his family made their way toward the waiting cars as Irwin introduced the new Royal Chancellor, Raum Kolta. He'd be sure to check with Woolsey later on to get a more in-depth scoop on the new Chancellor and his opinion of the man, but on first impression, Raum seemed to be a rather charming and smart man, a seemingly good choice for the position.
It seemed to take quite a while for the motorcade to get started but everyone made use of the time striking up conversations. Now it was off to the Abbey where he'd get to see his friend Sherwin again. Work had been so busy for the two of them as of late it seemed they'd barely had time to even talk. Its a far cry from the adventures they used to take, but the world was busier now than ever it seemed.
Following Irwin's lead, the Tsar and his family made their way toward the waiting cars as Irwin introduced the new Royal Chancellor, Raum Kolta. He'd be sure to check with Woolsey later on to get a more in-depth scoop on the new Chancellor and his opinion of the man, but on first impression, Raum seemed to be a rather charming and smart man, a seemingly good choice for the position.
It seemed to take quite a while for the motorcade to get started but everyone made use of the time striking up conversations. Now it was off to the Abbey where he'd get to see his friend Sherwin again. Work had been so busy for the two of them as of late it seemed they'd barely had time to even talk. Its a far cry from the adventures they used to take, but the world was busier now than ever it seemed.
The car in which Rajesh, Diwan Sahab, Ambassador Staltenberg, and the Esplandians were in arrived outside of Vestrujardeg Abbey. As the motorcade pulled to a stop at the foot of the stairs to the Abbey, Rajesh could see the Huskavrls, with their wolf emblems clearly visible. Rajesh knew the story of the Huskavrls- attempting to escape a pursuing Imperial army, the Duke of Aernavaegn, had led the remainder of his forces across a frozen lake. The ice broke, and the small remnant army plunged into the lake. Only Thasius and two others surviving. They were attacked by wolves while on their trek, but they slew the wolves and by wearing their pelts they were able to survive the cold. After returning home, they continued to wear their pelts, and founded the order of the Huskavrls, which now stood before him, guarding the Abbey, as it had morphed over the centuries into Esplandia's elite guard force.
Walking up the stairs, Rajesh noticed the beautiful exterior- the pearl-white walls, the arched windows and awnings, and the beautiful golden domes. 'Here we are,' Sherwin said as the doors were opened by waiting aides. Rajesh marvelled at the Abbey's interior as he walked inside. It was even more beautiful than the exterior. The floors were tiled with beautiful circular patterns. There were beautiful chandeliers dangling from the ceiling with light. The walls had dark pillars with arches and viewing areas on either side, and there were wondrous colors throughout the Abbey. Towards the front, there were awe-inspiring religious mosaics, as well as the altar. This Abbey was reminiscent of Saint Andrew's Cathedral in Pataliputra, the local center of worship for the Syrixian Courantist minority. Straightforward and beautiful at the same time- nothing like the mystical yet esoteric mazes of the Archtemple in Meru City.
Turning to Sherwin, Rajesh stated, "The Abbey is beautiful. The command of pattern architecture and vibrant color that is displayed here is wondrous."
Walking up the stairs, Rajesh noticed the beautiful exterior- the pearl-white walls, the arched windows and awnings, and the beautiful golden domes. 'Here we are,' Sherwin said as the doors were opened by waiting aides. Rajesh marvelled at the Abbey's interior as he walked inside. It was even more beautiful than the exterior. The floors were tiled with beautiful circular patterns. There were beautiful chandeliers dangling from the ceiling with light. The walls had dark pillars with arches and viewing areas on either side, and there were wondrous colors throughout the Abbey. Towards the front, there were awe-inspiring religious mosaics, as well as the altar. This Abbey was reminiscent of Saint Andrew's Cathedral in Pataliputra, the local center of worship for the Syrixian Courantist minority. Straightforward and beautiful at the same time- nothing like the mystical yet esoteric mazes of the Archtemple in Meru City.
Turning to Sherwin, Rajesh stated, "The Abbey is beautiful. The command of pattern architecture and vibrant color that is displayed here is wondrous."
Irwin made small talk with the Tsar and his children as they made their way into Karthied. He had been close with the Tsar’s older children but now he felt a bit awkward around them. What nine years in the service could do to your world, Irwin thought.
Stil it was nice to see them again. He spoke about his service on the Edwin Drakosta and one of his more recent missions. They’d been on a training run, trying out their new sonar technology, while tracking a Ceretian Submarine. They’d acquired the target, and were working on acquiring a lock when they realized that they’d been following a whale. The Ceretian sub had somehow tricked their sonar into thinking the whale was their target.
It got a good laugh from the others and Irwin smiles to himself. He had embellished the story, as the Edwin Drakosta has only been fooled for half a minute before reacquiring the Ceretian vessel. Still it made for a humorous anecdote and passed the time until the motorcade arrived at Vestrujardeg Abbey.
Sherwin smiled at Rajesh and his comment about the abbey. “Thank you, all of Esplandia is honored by your compliment.”
The King lead the way for the emperor into the chapel where the remains of Sherwin II were on display. They’d been placed on a raised dais, draped with red satin, the bones laid out as close to that of a human figure as was possible.
The bones had degraded a lot over the two centuries they’d been buried, now fragmented and eroded. And sadly, some bones were missing.
Sherwin approached the dais, and knelt in front of it. He placed one hand on the edge, and the other over his heart. He quickly spoke a few words: “Raestev, slepev, gavtu et holmed.”
One of the attendees provided a translation for the Syrixians. “Rest, Sleep, return home.” These words were the same words spoken over the body of Braegga the Bear after his death in battle, and they were spoken over every Hastfradic king by his predecessor since. Sherwin II had been denied those words, until now.
The king stood, and turned back to the Emperor and the Syrixians. He silently motioned for them to come forward and pay their own respects.
Stil it was nice to see them again. He spoke about his service on the Edwin Drakosta and one of his more recent missions. They’d been on a training run, trying out their new sonar technology, while tracking a Ceretian Submarine. They’d acquired the target, and were working on acquiring a lock when they realized that they’d been following a whale. The Ceretian sub had somehow tricked their sonar into thinking the whale was their target.
It got a good laugh from the others and Irwin smiles to himself. He had embellished the story, as the Edwin Drakosta has only been fooled for half a minute before reacquiring the Ceretian vessel. Still it made for a humorous anecdote and passed the time until the motorcade arrived at Vestrujardeg Abbey.
Sherwin smiled at Rajesh and his comment about the abbey. “Thank you, all of Esplandia is honored by your compliment.”
The King lead the way for the emperor into the chapel where the remains of Sherwin II were on display. They’d been placed on a raised dais, draped with red satin, the bones laid out as close to that of a human figure as was possible.
The bones had degraded a lot over the two centuries they’d been buried, now fragmented and eroded. And sadly, some bones were missing.
Sherwin approached the dais, and knelt in front of it. He placed one hand on the edge, and the other over his heart. He quickly spoke a few words: “Raestev, slepev, gavtu et holmed.”
One of the attendees provided a translation for the Syrixians. “Rest, Sleep, return home.” These words were the same words spoken over the body of Braegga the Bear after his death in battle, and they were spoken over every Hastfradic king by his predecessor since. Sherwin II had been denied those words, until now.
The king stood, and turned back to the Emperor and the Syrixians. He silently motioned for them to come forward and pay their own respects.
Rajesh was not fluent in Vestrugatten, but he had received a basic education on the language. Stepping towards the bones of Sherwin II, the valiant king who had been denied the funeral befit to someone not just of his status but of his great character, Rajesh clapsed his hands together and bowed his head, repeating Sherwin's words.
Rajesh then spoke- just as quiet as he had said Sherwin's prayer- the Syrixian equivalent: "Aankh kholata hai". The Esplandians were given the translation- "The Eye opens."
Looking at the bones, Rajesh remembered reading about Sherwin II's death. The Imperial cannons. Sherwin's famous words, "The Kingdom is lost.", and finally, Sherwin's final defense at the gates of Karthied whilst the last of the Esplandians rallied around him.
Rajesh wondered to himself. What if I had been emperor then? What would I have done? Sighing to himself, Rajesh stood with Sherwin before the bones of the Lost King.
Rajesh then spoke- just as quiet as he had said Sherwin's prayer- the Syrixian equivalent: "Aankh kholata hai". The Esplandians were given the translation- "The Eye opens."
Looking at the bones, Rajesh remembered reading about Sherwin II's death. The Imperial cannons. Sherwin's famous words, "The Kingdom is lost.", and finally, Sherwin's final defense at the gates of Karthied whilst the last of the Esplandians rallied around him.
Rajesh wondered to himself. What if I had been emperor then? What would I have done? Sighing to himself, Rajesh stood with Sherwin before the bones of the Lost King.
Sherwin watched as the people filed in, paying their respects to the lost king. It was a touching moment. Leaders from the Vestrugat were there, as well as some from across the sea. The emperors little prayer was especially meaningful. Sherwin saw his friend, Harold Callahan, Tsar of Ceretis, and he smiled and nodded at him as he entered with his children, Prince Irwin leading the way.
After respects were payed Sherwin moved back over by the altar, taking position near the skull of his ancestor. He cleared his throat, getting the attention of those gathered. As they quieted down the doors were opened and a number of the gathered crowd were let in. Some were reporters, but most were just regular folk who’d been lucky enough to be chosen to hear the king speak.
Sherwin then said a few words, his voice carrying through the chapel:
After respects were payed Sherwin moved back over by the altar, taking position near the skull of his ancestor. He cleared his throat, getting the attention of those gathered. As they quieted down the doors were opened and a number of the gathered crowd were let in. Some were reporters, but most were just regular folk who’d been lucky enough to be chosen to hear the king speak.
Sherwin then said a few words, his voice carrying through the chapel:
Sherwin enthusiastically applauded the emperors speech which got quite a positive reaction from the crowd. Afterwards he mingled among the invited guests thanking them for attending and showing solidarity. He took a moment to meet with Tsar Harold who he hadn’t seen in a while.
There was also a moment where the gathered leaders took a few moments to allow the press to take photos. Sherwin made sure that a couple were taken of him shaking the Syrixian Emperor’s hand. He’d masked sure the best of those pictures would be shown on television and printed in newspapers along with favorable stories about the empire.
This felt like the culmination of his mother’s work when she’d passed the acts of forgiveness two decades before. A Syrixian emperor was standing in Vestrujardeg Abbey showing solidarity. Perhaps reconciliation wasn’t as far away as many thought.
Sherwin smiled stoically for a final picture with Rajesh before excusing himself to go and find his son before the procession through Karthied began.
The bones of Sherwin II were carefully removed from the altar by Esplandian Royal guardsmen and placed in a sleek wooden coffin.
The coffin was carried by twelve guardsmen hand picked by Sherwin. First came the leaders and delegates leaving the abbey and walking down the steps before climbing into the waiting cars. Then came the bones of the lost king, who was placed on the back of a flatbead truck specially outfitted for the occasion with the symbols of the house of Halkon and Gothelif, and the flag of Esplandia.
The convoy then left the Abby and headed south along Agnavalus Parkway. Large crowds had turned out to pay their respects to the bones of the king. Flags were being waved and Syrixian flags were as common to see as Esplandian and Ceretian flags. Many Vestrugatten Syrixians were also dressed in traditional garb of the empire.
The procession arrived at the South Gate station, which had been closed down for the day. The bones were carried to the waiting high speed train and after one last photo op with the attendees, they departed the station. The train would carry them all to Rathberg and the Royal Crypts for the final internment.
There was also a moment where the gathered leaders took a few moments to allow the press to take photos. Sherwin made sure that a couple were taken of him shaking the Syrixian Emperor’s hand. He’d masked sure the best of those pictures would be shown on television and printed in newspapers along with favorable stories about the empire.
This felt like the culmination of his mother’s work when she’d passed the acts of forgiveness two decades before. A Syrixian emperor was standing in Vestrujardeg Abbey showing solidarity. Perhaps reconciliation wasn’t as far away as many thought.
Sherwin smiled stoically for a final picture with Rajesh before excusing himself to go and find his son before the procession through Karthied began.
The bones of Sherwin II were carefully removed from the altar by Esplandian Royal guardsmen and placed in a sleek wooden coffin.
The coffin was carried by twelve guardsmen hand picked by Sherwin. First came the leaders and delegates leaving the abbey and walking down the steps before climbing into the waiting cars. Then came the bones of the lost king, who was placed on the back of a flatbead truck specially outfitted for the occasion with the symbols of the house of Halkon and Gothelif, and the flag of Esplandia.
The convoy then left the Abby and headed south along Agnavalus Parkway. Large crowds had turned out to pay their respects to the bones of the king. Flags were being waved and Syrixian flags were as common to see as Esplandian and Ceretian flags. Many Vestrugatten Syrixians were also dressed in traditional garb of the empire.
The procession arrived at the South Gate station, which had been closed down for the day. The bones were carried to the waiting high speed train and after one last photo op with the attendees, they departed the station. The train would carry them all to Rathberg and the Royal Crypts for the final internment.
The high speed train left Karthied and within an hour arrived at Rathberg. The funeral procession made its way from the station and through the town to Rathberg Castle, the home of the Drakostas, and the Halkons before them. The sole purpose of the fortress had been to guard the tombs.
The tombs were ancient, predating the Hastfrads, and the Kianese. Skaltic princes were buried here in the deepest levels, above them the bones of Kianese nobles were also at rest. The Archdukes of Valdonia had used it as a final resting place, a tradition carried on by the later Hastfradic rulers. Now the Esplandian kings were laid to rest here. All but one.
Today that lost king would be returned. The procession entered the tombs highest level, a waiting area with marble pillars and statues of heroes of Esplandia. Here an Aelostian priest said the funeral rights and led the mourners in a final prayer for the soul of Sherwin II.
Afterwards only six attendees were allowed to descend into the lower crypts, as per tradition. Not including the priest and the pallbearers, Sherwin chose the Syrixian Emperor, the Syrixian State Curator and ambassador, the Ceretian Tsar, Prince Irwin, and himself to accompany the remains below.
They rode an elevator down and exited into an unadorned hallway carved from solid stone and smoothed out by skilled masons. The hallway went on only about a hundred paces with a few openings into crypts on either side.
The crypt was well lit by electric lights running along the roof and into each crypt. The procession entered the second crypt on the right. Three stone sarcophagi sat side by side in the room. One held the bones of Edwin I, one the bones of Agnavalus I of Gothelif, and the third was empty.
The stone lid had been removed and now the pallbearers gingerly put the coffin inside the Sarcophagus and then replaced the lid. The priest said another prayer.
Sherwin II had now been laid to rest beside his parents.
King Sherwin V cried as the priest prayed for the rest of the lost Esplandian King. Sherwin did not try to hide his tears. This was a good moment. When the prayer was finished the king wiped away his tears and spoke to the Syrixian Emperor. “This experience has been very moving to me. I hope it has been the same for you. I am greatful that you agreed to attend.”
The tombs were ancient, predating the Hastfrads, and the Kianese. Skaltic princes were buried here in the deepest levels, above them the bones of Kianese nobles were also at rest. The Archdukes of Valdonia had used it as a final resting place, a tradition carried on by the later Hastfradic rulers. Now the Esplandian kings were laid to rest here. All but one.
Today that lost king would be returned. The procession entered the tombs highest level, a waiting area with marble pillars and statues of heroes of Esplandia. Here an Aelostian priest said the funeral rights and led the mourners in a final prayer for the soul of Sherwin II.
Afterwards only six attendees were allowed to descend into the lower crypts, as per tradition. Not including the priest and the pallbearers, Sherwin chose the Syrixian Emperor, the Syrixian State Curator and ambassador, the Ceretian Tsar, Prince Irwin, and himself to accompany the remains below.
They rode an elevator down and exited into an unadorned hallway carved from solid stone and smoothed out by skilled masons. The hallway went on only about a hundred paces with a few openings into crypts on either side.
The crypt was well lit by electric lights running along the roof and into each crypt. The procession entered the second crypt on the right. Three stone sarcophagi sat side by side in the room. One held the bones of Edwin I, one the bones of Agnavalus I of Gothelif, and the third was empty.
The stone lid had been removed and now the pallbearers gingerly put the coffin inside the Sarcophagus and then replaced the lid. The priest said another prayer.
Sherwin II had now been laid to rest beside his parents.
King Sherwin V cried as the priest prayed for the rest of the lost Esplandian King. Sherwin did not try to hide his tears. This was a good moment. When the prayer was finished the king wiped away his tears and spoke to the Syrixian Emperor. “This experience has been very moving to me. I hope it has been the same for you. I am greatful that you agreed to attend.”
Rathburg Castle- the home of the Halkon family and now the Drakostas; and home to the final resting places of nobles from modern day to before recorded history. The closest the Empire had to these tombs was the Gaddha, the Imperial Tombs, and even then, some emperors built mausoleums for themselves and one was even buried in Iraelia. The tombs had a profound effect on him, and he yearned to learn more about them, but perhaps that was something for the future- he was there for a reason.
Rajesh watched the ceremonies, though he could also see the emotion in the facial expressions of the King of Esplandia. As Sherwin turned to him and spoke his remarks, Rajesh replied in kind, "I believe this experience to be quite moving as well. It, if not wholly, at least mostly closes a dark chapter of the history between our peoples. I'm very glad to have come here..."
He paused, briefly, before uttering a word with more meaning than anything he had just said.
"...Sherwin."
Rajesh watched the ceremonies, though he could also see the emotion in the facial expressions of the King of Esplandia. As Sherwin turned to him and spoke his remarks, Rajesh replied in kind, "I believe this experience to be quite moving as well. It, if not wholly, at least mostly closes a dark chapter of the history between our peoples. I'm very glad to have come here..."
He paused, briefly, before uttering a word with more meaning than anything he had just said.
"...Sherwin."