Lords of Freedom 2 - Chapter 12
Introduction
Lords of Freedom is an exciting trilogy that includes adventure, realistic action, surprising insights, and a touch of romance.
The serialization of Lords of Freedom book one is complete, with all 33 chapters published in the Gene Van Shaar Substack. Here is the link to all the chapters: Lords 1
The serialization of Lords of Freedom 2 (book 2 of the trilogy) is in progress. Lords of Freedom 2 includes many intriguing parallels with Joan of Arc, George Washington, Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox), Henry Knox, and the American Revolutionary War.
Lords Of Freedom 2 - Chapter 12 - Queen Jayn
Jayn's original plan was to win the war against Vlad and support Dauphin Percival as king over all the land. However, since he and many of his ilk turned out to be traitors, they instead dethroned and arrested him along with his comrades.
At a royal ceremony in the Farland palace, the angel Mercedes placed her hands on Jayn's head with the words, "I hereby appoint you queen of Farland and Vlad."
On cue, since those others gathered could not see or hear the angel, Xan and Hon stepped forward. They laid their hands on Jayn's shoulders, looking over the crowd.
"Long live the Queen of Freedom and Love," Xan called out.
Johann stepped forward then, raising his voice to ask all assembled if they would support Jayn the Beloved as their queen. Unanimous cheers of consent rang through the room.
With Calla on her shoulder, Jayn raised a hand, silencing the crowd.
"In accordance with angelic wisdom, I commit to the following nine Articles of Government,” she began.
The queen is the presiding leader and nominates councilors to help govern.
New nominations are to be approved by the council.
The queen and council agree on and administer laws that preserve order and freedom.
All leaders and citizens are required to obey the law and protect freedom.
Leaders, including the queen, who violate the law and fail to protect freedom shall be deposed by the council.
If the queen dies or is deposed, the most senior counselor will become the new queen or king.
The queen and council will be in charge of the military, which will always stand ready to defend freedom.
Guards will protect key leaders and their families at all times.
The God-given rights to speak freely and bear arms shall never be violated.
One of Jayn's first official acts as queen was to exile Dauphin Percival and his allies with the condition that if they ever returned to, or interfered with, Farland or Vlad affairs, they would be executed.
Xan and Hon explained to Jayn that when she married Caden, the nine articles of government still applied, meaning that although marriage to her would make him king, she would be the realm’s chief ruler. They also explained that she would not rule their marriage and family; rather, she and Caden would be coequal leaders in their home.
Celebration ensued throughout the kingdom, and the upcoming royal wedding was announced. Plans were laid and an exact date set; then tailors and seamstresses went to work, designing the clothing Caden would don, as well as a magnificent gown for Jayn. The palace staff began planning an exquisite menu while servants inspected the ballroom, making note of things to be spruced up or replaced.
Xan and Hon commissioned a team to sail back to Vlad while wedding preparations were made: Jayn and Caden, Johann, Maynard, Quillan, and Trahern, as well as General Beauregard and a dozen of his men. At the last minute, Jayn invited Eva to join the group, and she readily accepted.
They would conduct a meeting similar to the one held in Farland, to ensure that the citizens of Vlad would support Jayn as their queen. The articles of government would be laid out as well, to replace the tyrannical laws currently in place.
*****
Jayn entered the city Vlad astride Elihu, with Johann and three guards flanking them. To her pleasant surprise, the majority of the citizens clapped and cheered. Word of the final battle and her part in Farland’s victory had spread like wildfire, and the common folk were in high spirits, with the news that Prince Nigel and General Vicor were dead, and their tyranny was at an end.
Everyone marveled at Sheba when she loped into view, followed by the others; then shouts rang out at the sight of Calla soaring high above. When the falcon descended to land on Jayn’s shoulder the crowd fell silent—that was as big a miracle to them as anything.
General Beauregard took charge, first, calling an assembly in the castle throne room, for all city leaders. He then announced that their ship, Guardian, was loaded with food and supplies. Prominent merchants were to form teams to travel the short distance to the lake where Guardian’s waiting crew would dispense the provisions.
Cheers anew rang out and everyone began bustling about, some heading for the castle, while the rest began organizing groups to take wagons to the lakeshore to collect the promised rations.
*****
The throne room meeting was a bit tense at first, with those in power reluctant to step aside and allow foreigners to take charge. This was of course the Council Righteous members, and General Beauregard, with Caden’s and Sheba’s help, escorted them from the ballroom.
Xan then explained that, as queen, Jayn, along with help from Caden, would nominate a council of Vlad citizens to stand for freedom and govern in fairness. Council Righteous would be disbanded and all members and supporters exiled from the city in much the same way as Dauphin Percival and his allies had been. This was absolutely necessary, not only to establish a free and fair government, but to preserve liberty as time rolled on.
Then Jayn stepped forward on Xan’s signal, to recite the nine Articles of Government and swear her allegiance to them. Having Queen Jayn rule both Farland and Vlad would unite the two militaries and boost the economy of both kingdoms. Prior to the war, there had been high tariffs and taxes on goods bought and sold between the kingdoms, but all of that would come to a quick end, Jayn promised.
Also, Vlad would run their own affairs, by and large, according to the counsel nominated. Only if the citizens’ rights were infringed on would Jayn intervene as fit her queenly role, which she swore to as well.
This quelled fears that Jayn and the others were in Vlad to seize control and occupy the kingdom and the leaders engaged at last in true discussion. Having the right to bear arms and speak freely was unheard of in Vlad, but as the conference continued, everyone realized that those things were inherent in a free society and would allow the citizens to flourish.
Caden had returned to the ballroom by then and strode to Jayn’s side. Together they announced their engagement, which was met with approving applause from all gathered. The leaders proposed an impromptu celebration, to honor Jayn and their newfound freedom. It would be casual with no pomp or protocol, to allow the citizens to get acquainted with Jayn and the others.
“That went as well as could be expected,” Xan remarked, once the meeting wound down. “This is a big change for Vlad, but one for the better, and I think the leaders understand that.”
“As Jayn recited the Nine Articles of Government they began to catch the vision,” Johann said. “I watched their countenances soften and hope light their eyes. Vlad has suffered greatly under Prince Nigel’s rule.”
“As we discussed, Jayn, you and the others will remain in Vlad for a time, to ensure that the local government is properly formed,” Xan said. “Once that is done, you’ll send word to Farland for a ship to transport all of you home.”
“I worry though, that some still view Jayn with suspicion,” Caden said, putting an arm around her.
“No need to worry over that; Mercedes will remain ever near,” Jayn said with conviction, leaning in against him.
As Jayn spoke, the angel appeared in the room, surrounded in a halo of light. Only Xan, Hon and Jayn saw her, and all of them smiled.
“You are correct, child. The time has come though, for Xan and Hon to depart; their next mission awaits,” Mercedes said in her melodious voice.
Jayn looked to Xan and Hon and, when they both nodded, she crossed the room quickly to embrace them in turn. Then she stepped back, dashing a tear from her cheek.
“You are a valiant young lady; it has been inspiring to know you and fight for freedom alongside you,” Xan said.
“I’ve learned so much from you both,” Jayn said. “Your arrival and presence here is the miracle I prayed for, for so long.”
Hon motioned Eva and Caden over. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you as well. Vlad and Farland are in good hands now.”
Xan and Hon said their goodbyes to Johann, along with Maynard, Quillan and Trahern; then all of them left the castle. In the courtyard, General Beauregard and Sheba joined them and the tiger was quick to circle the group—her way of bidding farewell.
Hand in hand, with final waves, Xan and Hon headed off, and after a quick goodbye of her own to Calla, Sheba followed. The mission had been a great success with new friendships forged and another realm liberated. Then their thoughts shifted, anticipating the upcoming mission, wondering where it would take them and what it would entail.
Jayn watched the milling people smile and wave as Xan and Hon passed, with many expressing gratitude for the liberation of Vlad and, of course, the much-needed provisions. All too soon, they moved out of sight around a bend in the road and Jayn surmised they’d be able to see Guardian from there.
Sunset was nigh at hand, and Jayn froze for a moment. Then, with a smile, she looked heavenward. Beside her, Caden took her hand.
“The trumpets sounded?” Eva said, moving in alongside them.
“Trumpets?” Caden said, puzzled.
Jayn nodded, squeezing his hand. “All is well, at long last.”
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