Britannia's New King

OYAL DECREE:
"Citizens of Britannia!

Know that the Royal Council, in unanimous and glorious unity, has elected from amongst their noble selves a new man of the people, and for the people. Know that the Royal Ambassador Casca has been raised up to lead the people of Britannia in her times of peril and peace, as King pro-tempore, with all rights, statuses, and honors thereof. Know that Lord Casca, ruler of the Kingdom of Britannia, shall lead his people with humility and grace, always striving for the greater good, always seeking to honor the Virtues our most just and magnanimous founder, our once and future king.

Know that this decision comes at a time of great uncertainty and trouble for the Kingdom, and that even our Lord Casca has been touched by these events. He hath survived the evil designs of evil men, who sought only to rain chaos down upon fair Britannia. Even as his noble brethren fell to fates most ignominious, he hath been preserved through his own power and prowess, an exemplar for the common man!

All hail Lord Casca, All hail our King!"

- - -

On a Saturday at 8pm EST, the new King was announced to speak to the crowd in front of Lord Blackthorn's old castle. Many had gathere to listen to what he had to say. People were mostly critical and doubtful.

"Hail, citizens of Britannia, nobles, and warriors!
Glad to see such a turnout. I come to you this day under grievous circumstances. Never did I think such tragedy could befall the Britannian Council, my brethren! As you all know, their lives have been taken by the legions of the Followers of Armageddon. It is only for the councils sake, and the sake of Britannia, that I stand before you all this day. I apologize that we must meet here, but Castle British still evokes horrible emotions when I gaze upon it."
*Closes eyes for a moment*

Casca continued: "I have been through unimaginable tortures whilst in the clutches of my captors. I still feel the clasp of their manacles upon my wrists. Perhaps I will never escape the feeling. Yet you all were my saviors, and for that I am forever in debt as the peoples servant. Through your quick and noble deeds, I am the only member of the council who yet survived and was not tainted by evil and corruption."

Someone called: "False. Clainin is alive, bedridden in New Haven."
Lord Casca quickly replied: "Ah, Clainin is a wise man, but he is ill! Half dead! I sat by his bead the other night and it is his will that I become king! Thus, out of need for structure, a new council formed of Lords and Nobles. They hail from all over the land and are both magnanimous and valorous. Yet I am afraid I cannot reveal their identities at this time, for we cannot risk suffering another defeat at the hands of the Followers of Armageddon. And you may speak to Clainin, as I said, I have his blessing! And he is the wisest man left in Britannia. If he were in full health, I would have him be king."

"In safety we took council, and they said unto me, 'Casca, you have been through much. Casca, you are wise and experienced. Casca, we know you desire only justice.' I replied that they all exhibit such traits, or we would not be meeting together. Yet they continued to echo my praises. 'Casca, rise up, for you have our vote, ascend the throne!' But I responded to them resoundingly, Nay! I cannot! I am not worthy!"

"Still they insisted, and spoke to me of the good I could do, and I began to feel the potential and sooth in their words. The more I listened, the more their words rang true in my ears. For if not I to raise up Britannia and stand proudly beside her, if not I to heal her wounds and protect her land, then WHO??? So I took their votes and I am proud to come unto you now, as King of Britannia!"
*Looks down upon the people, hands wide up in the air embracing them, smiling*
"Now I must act upon their faith, I must do this good of which they speak!"
*Clenches his fist and shakes it toward the people*
"More so, it must be done swiftly. I promise now, before the people of Britannia, to rid the lands of the vile, rancorous, malicious Ophidians! To end the invasions once and for all, bringing peace back to Britannia! They are strong, but foolish! With the support of the people, we can best them! I understand the scorn, I would rather earn my peoples trust than it be given lightly! Yet those are not my only promises. Also, I promise to bring strength back to the Royal Guard and protect our borders from another invasion! And to protect Britannia from the rancor of the Shadow Lords, while exterminating their minions."

"All I need to do such good is for you, the people, to bow to me, and we will reign forever in peace and prosperity. I put my faith in you, citizens of Britannia, to help us remain the prestigious and respected land that we have been for so long, to help me carry on in the name of the great and noble kings who came before me. Without the love and universal goodwill of the people, though, I can accomplish none of this."

"So this day, I demand... *coughs* ...I beseech all of you to lend me your hands and hearts so that together we can thrive! I also ask, in your great intelligence, that you all see through the guise of false prophets! This Owain Surrey, who the people whisper about on the street, is no prophet. He works for a witch, for the Lady Melissa, and for the Shadowlords. Do not heed him! Long ago he was cast by Lord Blackthorn, out onto the streets for the falsehood he spewed at council. I implore, do not heed his words!"

"Lastly I must relinquish the independence given to some cities under Lord British, such cities will hail the crown, or be outlawed! We must all hail the same flag together, lest we all fall separate! A tax collector will be around to collect your long-standing debts. I leave you all this day hoping to have left a lasting impression of hope and virtue, that we may protect Britannia side by side, with sword and shield! I wish safe travels to all, and when we meet again I shall be sitting on the throne in this Castle."
*Salutes the people*

Then Casca was whispering a secret spell, "Rel Por In Plyem", he vanished.
Then suddenly, a small brown creature appeared between the feet of the concerned crowd. It was Sherry the Mouse! It quickly paced around, squeaking and speaking with its thin voice:

"What makes Casca qualified for such a high position? He only just became Lord! Don't we already have a good king? Lord British has been Britannia's ruler since it's inception. The council of Lords and Ladies should be rebuilt, to manage the kingdom in my lord's absence. Who is on the Royal Council? We cannot be without a council. I'm not sure if this is right. How could a decision have been made so quickly? Our old council is not yet cold in their graves! Why was Casca the only survivor of the massacre? Can we trust him? What are Casca's intentions as King? I need to speak to him! He led the hasty trial of Ricardo, and was behind the arrest of Avery. Does Avery not deserve a trial? Why is no one asking for Avery's side of the story! What has Casca done with Avery and Ricardo? I beseech thee to think about my questions, don't be deceived! But I am but a mouse, and none hear me."

Leaving the crowd with these alarming questions, Sherry quickly left the scene and disappeared.

01/2009

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