Funeral for a King

The six travelers made their way through the crowded streets.  They did not walk together, but they all had the same destination.  The city seemed to draw all who entered it towards the center.  The canals flowed along their predestined paths.  The pathways crossed and turned into the main boulevards that formed the arteries of the city.  For a city of nearly twenty thousand residents, it was nearly silent.  

The six observed the silence and saw the city in a new light.  It was a city of nobility, but those less well off were not pushed aside.  It was a city of gardens and beauty, but it was a welcoming beauty.  It was a city of majestic houses and a grand palace, but the marks of war some six years past were evident.  The man who ruled this city saw to it that his keep was repaired last.  He made sure his people would be safe behind strong towers and fortified walls.  He was a fierce warrior priest, a noble of nobles, but he was also father to a beloved people.

The six had come to pay their respects, and they were not alone.  The triumvirate rulers of Ulek had come.  The Knight Commander of the Shield Lands was there with her court.  The venerable Hazen, Shepherd of the Faithful, High Priest of Rao and Archcleric of Veluna sat on the center podium in the center of the Grand Pavilion.  The mayors of the Highfolk and the Free City of Greyhawk were in attendance.  The magistrate of Dyvers, the capital of old Ferrond stood and watched the procession.  In short, the leaders of the good and free countries of the Flanaess had come to pay their respects.

The procession commenced and great speeches were given.  All befitting a man of the greatest stature.  The seven nobles of the seven families were seated in a semicircle around the empty throne.  They assured the people that order would continue.  The kingdom would be safe.  The legacy of Belvor would continue even if it was not by his blood.

As the last of the nobles finished speaking, Canon Hazen stood slowly and made his way to the lectern.  He looked over the faces of the people, and then he surveyed the faces of the nobles.

“People of Furyondy and visitors from a far.  We have heard many speeches today.  Much wisdom is gathered here.  We are a blessed people.  Today is a sad day, but it is not a dark day.  We celebrate a life well lived.  A man who would listen to reason.  A man who would look to the olive branch before he would take to the sword.  To be granted five years of his wise rule would be a gift, but we were given fifty.  There may be dark times ahead, but that is not today.  For today, we rejoice.  Serenity is found in the simple and the grand.  And this man we honor here today was simple in his devotion and grand in his rule.  He was obedient to authority as a servant and royal in authority as a true king.  He was above all a friend.”

The services ended, but barely anyone moved.  For over an hour, the throng stood there in the pavilion.  The tears were silent.  Slowly, the crowd began to disperse.  The ale houses will be busy this night.  Stories will be told about the king.  He will be remembered for many generations, and he will be missed.

The six did not visit the taverns.  They made their way out of the city much as they had entered.  The people of the city did not mark their passing.  Though perhaps in years to come all would know their names.  It was time to go.  There was work to be done.