Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

Omen, a Cantrell Chronicles Reset, Part One, Chapter Six

Feelings of misgivings marred the day. Besides robbing the king, queen, and their four children of a good night’s sleep. Tossing and turning all night long until at last, the alarm went off. Slowly they all crawled out of their warm nests.  “You going to sleep the day away?” Erik said, as he shook Joey by the shoulder. “Come on, there’s a lot to do and we’ve got to get started, lest we run out of time.”

Rolling over, Joey, stretched and said, “Something bad is going to happen. I told you this place is haunted.”

“I’ve seen no evidence. Nothing moves out of place, no odd sounds. Yeah, it’s cold here and there, but that’s not what a cold spot is. Besides, Dad released their spirits yesterday. All should be well, now. Come on, you’re just using that as an excuse to stay in bed. I know you don’t want to sing today. But the rehearsals have all mostly gone well . . . "

“Except for last night’s.”
“Still together, we are amazing. You wait.”

“But there will be people there, lots of them. Count me out.”
“Just imagine them all in their underwear, you’ll be okay.”
“That’s fine for you to say. You’ve at least sung Telegrams.”
“Yeah, and I was nervous, too. But after a time that wears off. Just get into the music.”

“That’s all well and good, but this is some high royal, complicated music complete with undertones, written by some high mucky muck like Tchaikovsky or somebody. I don’t sing.”

Erik dressed in his best suit, a three-piece, wine-colored number.  He even took a moment to shine up his ankle boots. Joey, finally out of bed, shrugged into his green coated tuxedo. He even ran a brush through his hair. “You might want to do something about that.” Erik gestured in a circular movement around his mouth and chin.
“I shaved just last night.”

“All I can say is, its baaack.”
“Oh, good grief,” Joey complained as he traveled down the hall to the little prince’s room. A few minutes later, he came out looking stricken. Gazing into Erik’s light blue eyes, he said, “I don’t remember any of the words . . .”

Erik grabbed his next younger brother by the shoulders. “It’s almost all alleluias. Get ahold of yourself. Find your Logic box in your head and stay there. I’ll tell you a secret. A bad rehearsal generally means a good, strong performance. Trust me. And saying a prayer doesn’t hurt, either.”
“Okay, okay, I’m good.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

The household staff polished the throne, the lamps and just about everything else. A short white pedestal with a crown upon it was placed to the left of the throne, and two large plants with blue flowers were placed in front of the windows on either side.  Staff also carefully ran a cloth over each long, wide leaf. The chandeliers also got a polishing. Nothing was left out. The room positively gleamed when the staff left the room.

“Careful, you might need your shades in here,” Aaron said, removing his to hide inside his jacket. Once the hour was upon them, the kids stood to the side. Readying themselves for their minor part in these festivities. Joseph, at last, entered the room, took his throne and opened Court.  People of all kinds made their way into the hallowed chamber, glancing around as if they’d only heard about such rooms. Noble, Commoner, the People of Ondarion arrived dressed as superbly as their means allowed. 

Erik smiled when he noticed Father James come in. This was their new priest. An affable man, with a strong love of the Lord, he put off an aura of Peace, which in some ways was both intimidating and at once welcoming.

After petitions were heard, Joseph stepped down from the throne walking toward the cleric who stood near the top of the red runner.

The Crown Prince stood there with his head down speaking so softly, only the priest could hear him. Taking the heir by the upper arms, he reassured the man, this was the right time and his was the right place. “God does not make mistakes,” he said.

Raising his head high once again, Joseph gave the oath of office, “I do solemnly swear to uphold the laws of Ondarion, to protect the People, the Gentry against any and all assault, and the Church of our beloved land. Amen.”

“Receive the royal crown of your Office,” Father James said, holding the circlet above Joseph’s head.

The four royal teens having quietly lined themselves up in between two of the pillars, watched. Father James gave them a quick, subtle gesture and with a downstroke of Erik’s hand, they began to sing ever-so-softly, at first, the song hitting a crescendo once the crown was placed on their father’s head. Their combined voices hitting the rafters above in a most pleasing sound. “Alleluia.”

Just as Father James was congratulating the new monarch, a loud chant went up reverberating throughout the chamber. 

“Long live the King!” Remarkably, at that moment a streak of white-hot light ran from the upper corner to the left of the throne all the way across to the wall on the right side of the throne. Startling, at best the thought was fireworks had been set off to mark the moment.

“What was that?” King Joseph said.  Others moved to investigate.  Surprisingly, they found Grimmie there, standing with his long angry-looking scythe.

“Who, where?” the newly installed King said. He grabbed his overcoat and ran down the hall toward an archway, turned a quick right and pushed open the back door. What he beheld brought tears to his eyes. “No, this can’t be. No.”

“You dare take her without allowing me to plead! Be gone from here.”

All for now, thanks for reading!