The Passing of the Crown

By: Brandon James Scott Scholl

Prince Aldar didn’t know what to think. The soldier standing before him had just delivered the worst news that could ever come to a prince, the king had died. He had gone to sleep the night before and passed away in his sleep during the night.

Aldar was lost in all of this. His next move was a critical one. With his father dead, he was the next in line for the throne and to become king.

“Your highness,” the soldier inquired, breaking Aldar’s thoughts. “What are your orders?”

The soldier’s name was Rinehart. He had been loyal to the King as well as protected him. He was also one of the soldiers that counciled Aldar’s father about difficulties that issues and problems he was facing or dealing with.

“What would you suggest,” asked Aldar. Rinehart stood for a moment, eyeing Aldar. He understood that the young man was lost within himself at the moment. There were so many feels he was having that he could tell one from the other.

“Your highness, this is a critical time for you. With the death of the king, you are now to be king. The people of this city kingdom will be in disarray and need a leader. They will need someone who is strong and loyal to them. Aldar, the people need a king.”

Rinehart’s words sunk in to Aldar with both caring and firmness within them. Aldar stood up and turned to the wise soldier that stood before him.

“Then they shall have a king that will lead them, guide them, and protect them.” Rinehart nodded. They both walked to the other side of the castle to prepare for Aldar’s next move. Many pages had been summoned to gather the people within the city for an announcement from the king himself.

Aldar knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Not only did he have to live up to his father’s legacy that he had built during his reign, but he was to surpass it and continue the legacy of his family’s name. This was something that both excited and scared Aldar. However, he knew that with Rinehart at his side, he could do his best.

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Aldar now stood on the balcony overlooking the assembled people of what was now his city.

“Citizens of Runemae, hear me. My father, the king, is dead. He passed away last night in his sleep. It is not only a shock to you but a shock to me as well. You may have lost a great ruler, but I have lost my father. I am next in the line to take the throne but before I do that, I want to explain myself. My entire life, I have watched my father become and be the man and king that he was over Runemae. He was a protector and a defender of all of you. He fought for you, he cared for you, and he dined with you on several occasions. My only hope and wish is to be as strong and courageous a ruler as my father was. If I’m lucky, I will be at least half the man he was. He has left a legacy from his actions and his words and now it is my turn to carry on that legacy. I ask that you help me keep the legacy of Runemae alive and that it continue to thrive and endure in this ever-changing world. That is my promise to you as well as my request.”

With that, Rinehart came out carrying the royal crown in his hands. Silence was all around the crowd as Aldar lowered himself to one knee and looked down. With that, Rinehart lowered the crown onto Aldar’s head. As he stood back up, he was handed the scepter and wrapped in the royal cape. Then, he turned to the people of Runemae. From the silence that had enveloped the crowd, applause and cheering emerged. Rinehart smiled as he stood next to King Aldar.

“They approve of who and what you are, my king. As do I.” Aldar turned to Rinehart.

“With you by my side and your wisdom present, I shall not fail in keeping my father’s name honorable and respected not only with the people, but with everyone who has and ever will hear the name.” Aldar turned back to the crowd.

The crowd cheered and praised the new king of Runemae. Aldar felt a great peace envelope him as he watched the crowd. Thank you father, he thought. Thank you for showing me what it takes to be a true king. I will live up to your name and honor will be kept.

For the first time in Aldar’s life, he felt peace. He was ready to take on this challenge that life had given him. With the help of the kingdom’s citizens, they would become a great kingdom.