The three n stepped forward and knelt on one knee before Kaen, their movents steady and solemn under the watchful eyes of the entire gathering.
Sigilion was the first to speak.
"Your Majesty," he began, "back in Rivendell, you invited to serve under your banner. That day, we made a pact."
"If ever the day ca when I heard your na sung along the Western roads—when your deeds echoed across the land—I vowed I would bring my family and kin to pledge ourselves to your cause."
"That day has co. You have fulfilled your part, and now I fulfill mine. I formally swear fealty to you."
Alante followed.
"When I forged your sword, I told you then—my aged father was slain by the beasts of the Troll-woods."
"You took up the blade I crafted and cleansed those woods of darkness. In doing so, you avenged him. And so, I offer you my loyalty."
Reger rose next.
"My ancestors once fought alongside the Elves in Beleriand, battling Morgoth himself. They earned honor and the title of hero."
"But that glory has long since faded with the winds of ti. Your valor has rekindled that fire in my blood. I, too, pledge my loyalty to you."
With the three of them as the vanguard, the rest of the talents who had followed the royal ministers from Rivendell stepped forward in turn. One by one, they dropped to a knee before Kaen.
"O great King of Eowenría, bane of trolls and scourge of orcs," they proclaid in unison, "we have heard the songs of your deeds. We have brought our families here to stand with you. Please, accept our fealty. Allow us to serve beneath your banner."
Of all those present, only Norman seed even mildly surprised by what was unfolding. Everyone else, including Kaen himself, had seen it coming.
He had anticipated this very mont earlier in the day.
With so many talented people making their way here, who else would they swear allegiance to if not the rightful king?
He had rely chosen to wait—until the banquet reached its end, when those with true will would offer their loyalty of their own accord.
Norman looked on at the scene before him—Kaen, surrounded by kneeling followers, crowned by the firelight and the loyalty of many. His heart swelled with both astonishnt and reassurance.
Only a true king could draw such devotion.
Kaen slowly rose to his feet.
He drew his sword and raised it high above his head. His voice rang out, firm and regal:
"I accept your oaths of loyalty. From this day forth, my glory shall be your glory. I will lead you toward a shining future, to forge a realm of courage and honor that we may all call our own!"
"Courage and honor!"
The cry thundered from every throat, ringing across the skies of Elariel.
….
The banquet drew to a close.
The next day, Thaliondir departed with his Elven cavalry.
At midday, Kaen convened an official royal council.
…
The council hall was crowded with attendees.
Civil ministers and military commanders sat on opposite sides of the long table, tension and purpose coiling through the air.
Kaen stood at the head and addressed them.
"This eting has been called to deliberate on four matters currently facing the kingdom."
"First, the improvent and implentation of our internal governance."
"Second, the growing number of refugees entering our borders."
"Third, the selection and construction of our kingdom's capital city."
"And fourth, the reform and expansion of our military forces."
"We will proceed in order. Let us begin with governance. You civil ministers have studied in Rivendell for quite so ti—I'd like to hear your insights."
At his cue, the ministers began to speak one after another.
Elder Jack, the Minister of Administration, was the first to offer his proposal.
"The Administrative Departnt should be divided into three branches: the Departnt of Policy Execution, the Departnt of Civic Affairs and Records , and the Departnt of Administrative review."
"The Departnt of Policy Execution will ensure policies are enacted and followed. The Civic Affairs Departnt will evaluate how policies affect the people and the realm. The ReviewDepartnt will compile the findings and determine comndations or disciplinary action for officials."
"Furthermore," he continued, "local authorities such as town mayors should establish town halls and oversee regional governance."
"But they must act as coordinators, not decision-makers. In matters of taxation and law, they may advise but not decide."
"All local officials shall be subject to royal appointnts, audits, and evaluations. Only by centralizing authority can we strengthen the Crown's power…"
Araphor, the Minister of Justice, proposed the creation of a layered judicial system: local courts, a High Court, and regional law enforcent.
"The peacekeepers shall uphold the law; the courts will administer judgnt," he said.
"No matter their status, any who break the law shall face trial and punishnt, provided a higher court approves the charge."
Will, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, added:
"Though there are no unified human kingdoms on the Western Continent, there are many lords and powers scattered across the land."
"As our strength grows, trade, tensions, and even conflicts with them are inevitable."
"We need diplomats—skilled emissaries who can negotiate and convey the will of the realm."
Tifa, the Minister of Finance, offered her vision:
"Once we establish a fair system of taxes—on trade, agriculture, and more—we must focus next spring on stimulating comrce and farming."
"The kingdom should also identify a pillar industry to sustain continuous revenue."
"Only with economic stability can we ensure our kingdom thrives, and our treasury remains full."
Finally, Hubert, the Minister of Oversight, proposed:
"All actions of the internal departnts must be reported to the Office of Oversight."
"Our inspectors will oversee execution and ensure officials remain accountable to the rules."
"Every inspector shall be rigorously selected and bound by a blood oath—pledging their very lives to the integrity of the kingdom."
It was clear the ministers had co well-prepared. Each laid out the structure and responsibilities of their departnt in precise detail.
Kaen nodded, visibly pleased.
"I approve all of your proposals. Starting tomorrow, begin organizing your respective departnts and prepare to take on your roles in the governance of the kingdom."
The ministers stood and responded with solemn unity:
"We will not disappoint you, my lord."
…
The discussion moved on to the issue of refugees.
Elder Jack once again took the floor.
"My lord," he said, "I will assign personnel to register the refugees—nas, backgrounds, skills."
"Their numbers continue to grow. We cannot simply feed them endlessly. We must give them purpose."
"If they wish to beco citizens, they must first learn our language—Westron and the language of Eowenría. During that process, we can identify promising individuals and appoint them to entry-level administrative roles."
"Skilled workers—blacksmiths, healers, horse handlers—can be assigned roles in service to the kingdom."
"Healthy n can be trained and recruited into the army."
Kaen nodded approvingly. "That's an excellent solution."
After further discussion and refinent, the proposal was formally adopted.
…
Next ca the question of the capital.
Kaen revealed the existence of the hidden valley deep within the Troll-woods, along with the treasures buried there.
"There are many ravines and gorges in the Troll-woods," he said. "Difficult terrain, dangerous to navigate—like a natural fortress."
"At the forest's heart lies a secluded valley, encircled by cliffs a hundred ters tall, with only one narrow passage for entry."
"It is concealed. Defensible. I've decided—we shall build our capital there."
No one raised any objections. The plan was agreed upon unanimously.
They would wait for the end of winter, when Joanna and her engineers returned. Then, construction would begin.
Last ca the matter of military reform and expansion…
-------------------------
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