The day finally came. Malnar was in front of the throne room doors, vaguely hearing her future subjects chattering amongst themselves. She flapped her hands in nervousness, then took in a breath and steeled herself. The doors opened to reveal all the Under-realm Delegations lining an aisle to the throne. Sitting in his wheelchair on the throne’s right was Orbak with Elmpam standing behind him. On the throne’s left was the priest with Malnar’s lovers standing by him. One look at her future spouses and Malnar’s confidence increased. She walked down the aisle with strength and pride. Once she was in front of the throne, she stood by Orbak. Orbak began his speech. “My beloved subjects,” he called, “my Queen and I cannot express our pride in you enough. We have all suffered greatly in the Final War. It was an honor to have you all at our side as we fought against evil, and we give the highest of praises to those that resisted the Trinnies while we were separated from you all.”
“Sadly,” called Elmpam, “the time has come for us to step aside for a new Under-monarch. We take great pleasure in abdicating in favor of our daughter, Malnar. She has proven that she can command through both her tour of duty and her actions in the Final War. I can think of no greater woman to be our Under-Queen.”
“Malnar, kneel,” said Orbak. Malnar knelt in front of Orbak. He handed her the scepter he was known for carrying. “Rise and take the Crown,” said Orbak. “Let those that came before you judge your heart.” Malnar rose as Orbak handed the Crown on his head to Elmpam. Elmpam then put the Crown on Malnar’s head. Malnar then felt a pain in her head, the Crown examining her brain.
“Malnar!” called Arsha. She was about to dash to her aid, but the priest held her back.
“This is something a Ruler must do on their own,” he said. “If any of us interfere or if she calls for help before five minutes are up, she will forfeit her claim to the throne.” Arsha and her lovers looked at Malnar in worry. Malnar grit her teeth and muscled through the pain. Soon, it faded and lessened…then it stopped. Orbak smiled.
“The five minutes are up,” he said as he handed her a headache potion.
“Thank you,” she panted. She drank the potion, gagged at the taste, then handed the empty phial back to Orbak before turning to the priest as he held the Codex out. She placed her left hand on the cover and raised her right hand.
“I, Malnar Emboramii, do solemnly swear,” began the Priest.
“I, Malnar Emboramii, do solemnly swear,” repeated Malnar.
“That I will execute my duties as Queen of the Under-realm faithfully.”
“That I will execute my duties as Queen of the Under-realm faithfully.”
“I will uphold the laws and dreams of my people.”
“I will uphold the laws and dreams of my people.”
“I will care for those that are in dire straits.”
“I will care for those that are in dire straits.”
“With the help of the now Mortal Divine Ones, I will not let evil corrupt my judgement.”
“With the help of the now Mortal Divine Ones, I will not let evil corrupt my judgement.”
“If necessary (and I personally hope it never will be in this Age),” even Malnar had to silently agree with that, “I will give my life to save my people, should disaster strike.”
“If necessary, I will give my life to save my people, should disaster strike.”
“I hereby pronounce you Queen of the Under-realm!” he called. Malnar sat on the throne. The priest then turned to the crowd. “Now is the time for the Rulers of the Under-realm to pledge your swords to your Queen!” The Rulers entered the aisle and lined up. They knelt and drew their sword, pointing it to the sky while declaring their service to Malnar. The oaths went like so:
“I, Queen Calandra Narven of the Galdredan Lava Kingdom, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, King Alnedar Yerudii of the Morgonthor Trench, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, Queen Yurmar Hanthuu of Crelima City, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.” Because of her throat injury, she had to say her pledge in Under-realm Sign Language.
“I, King Esirat of Frigandor, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, King Enrel Wenshar of the Actanila Mega-shark Grounds, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, Queen Landuii Altror of the Calnthor Merfolk Kingdom, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, Queen Endomu Gokurah of the Greshkagh Mountains, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, King Endormak Tothen of the Grilthan Forest, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, High Priestess Torunath Lundalii of the Haldebor Drider Caves, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, Queen Rutalmer Worodai of Realmgate City, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, Lord Tomugath Varsek of Falgreth, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, Chancellor Penshek Tolshoon of Dwelga, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, High Priestess Tanta Kalokat of te Tunatel Trow Cafs, do hereby plesh my serfis and swort to you, Queen Malnar.”
“I, General Dotan Mergotal of the Umbrax Kingdom, do hereby pledge my service and sword to you, Queen Malnar.” Once everyone had made their pledges, they sat back in their seats as Malnar looked over everyone.
“We’ve gone through torture,” she began, “there are no two ways around that. We’ve all lost so much, but we are rebuilding. Why? Because nothing keeps the Under-realm down for long! We bounce back, no matter the damage! We get ourselves to a new normal quicker than the other Realms, if Arsha and my other Out-realmer lovers will pardon the Under-realm pride.” Arsha and her lovers chuckled. “I’m about to do something I don’t think my predecessors, even my parents, ever did; I pledge my sword and service to the Under-realm and her people. Now, the war we’re still rebuilding from was always called the FINAL War. Let’s do whatever we can to make sure we all don’t need to call upon our swords and simply ask for one another’s service. To the Under-realm!”
“To the Under-realm!” called Orbak.
“TO THE UNDER-REALM!” repeated the crowd.
“Hip hip!”
“HUZZAH!”
“Hip hip!”
“HUZZAH!”
“Hip hip!”
“HUZZAH!”
“Ones save the Queen!”
“ONES SAVE THE QUEEN!”