THE DAY OF INAUGURATION

"I propose Prime minister Gavius ​​as the new king of Ouros."

Gavius's plan was valid in dismantling the dogma that was deeply rooted in the minds of the Ouros dwarves. Now that his name was firmly called by Yugo, appearing as an alternative figure juxtaposed with the perfection of the Garranor bloodline. However, he still has to pass the voting stage (though he is sure he will win by a landslide).

Zulk was the first high-ranking palace official to suspect this ruse. The charge is that there is an evil desire shrouded in that calm yet wise face. Gavius ​​was indeed very close to King Arganor, more than anyone.

No matter how high his position, the dwarf would not forget that Gavius ​​was a descendant of Barantir, Garranor's rival in controlling Ouros' supremacy. The royal throne has always been his main mission.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your voice is very much needed in this voting. There is no coercion, or pressure in making a decision. I will validate a proposal if the unanimous vote exceeds half of the number of participants," said Balrim. "Please tap the table for anyone who agrees to hand over the reins of Ouros power to Gavius, the son of Bardum, of the Barantir lineage!"

Dorion immediately preceded the others. Even though the dwarf's ears were full of tangled hair, he still listened intently. Then Erkiel, and Garminor who tapped the table really hard. Thalia also followed after, her green eyes wide with conviction.

The deliberations began to vote, starting with Erigrim, Irenka, Igorim, until finally Ereli who was forced to agree instead of leaving Ouros without a king. Until the end of the voting, only Zulk's and Antanor's tables were not tapped at all.

Seeing the situation turning quiet, Balrim finally spoke. "This decision has no loopholes," he said. "More than half of the conference attendees have agreed with Master Yugo's proposal. Therefore, I certify our dwarf brother, Gavius ​​son of Bardum, descendant of Barantir, as the new King of Ouros!"

TOK!

"All hail Ouros! All hail King Gavius!" Balrim exclaimed.

"ALL HAIL OUROS! ALL HAIL KING GAVIUS!" The majority of the audience followed.

"Bring the beer and tobacco!" Dorion boomed enthusiastically.

The dwarf servants came straight out of all the hall doors, complete with trays of frothy beer glasses and piles of rolled tobacco. A second ago the situation was tense and solemn, but now the higher-ups are like little children being given a toy. They were excited, busy drinking beer and clashing cigarette smoke.

Zulk chose not to go, even though this was indeed the custom of the dwarves. They will party after solving a strange problem. However, for Zulk this thorny problem is clearly not over, and is in danger of getting worse.

Yugo was also less interested in joining. While beer and tobacco weren't his favorite choice (different from most dwarves), he also wanted to immediately meet Mavrick army to announce his absolute freedom from the demands of being king.

When he just stepped out of the room, Yugo was pulled by Zulk somewhere. They abandoned the crowds and debauchery, preferring the quiet corner upstairs. Zulk's grip began to weaken, as the two dwarves sat on a golden chair.

"Hurry up and get mad at me. Don't do this anymore. Just get mad at King Gavius." Yugo spoke satirically.

Zulk suddenly sighed. At first his intention was to be angry, but Yugo's words seemed to tell that anger was not the solution to this problem.

"Are you happy now?" Zulk asked.

"No, before you finish scolding me."

"Oh, come on!" Zulk snorted. "I mean, are you happy that Gavius ​​has been chosen as the new king?"

"I'm not happy because of him. Whoever the king is, as long as it's not me, then my heart is definitely happy." Yugo looked away unconcerned.

"There's still a first-year evaluation meeting. We can dethrone Gavius ​​there. I'm sure only dwarves of Garranor descent are competent to lead this kingdom."

"Captain Zulk, is it so hard to accept my decision not to become king? Why do you care so much about me? You're just my father's comrade in the military, nothing more. My parents are gone. You should start thinking about yourself," Yugo grumbled. He was surprised for a moment to find Zulk watching him slowly, as if ready to crush him at any moment.

However, what the young dwarf got was a gentle caress on his head. Zulk just laughed, not angry, his laugh was sad, and sad, and the tears started to sparkle at the corners of his eyes.

"You're right, Yugo, absolutely right. Why should I care about my best friend's son," he said in a trembling voice. "Maybe because I made a promise. The last promise to your father before he died was in my arms. I screwed it up, Erganor!" The old dwarf suddenly burst into tears.

Yugo was distraught, calming a chieftain who was sobbing more than a baby. Zulk's beard was full of tears, his nose was runny red. Five minutes later, more or less, the dwarf could finally control himself again. Yugo just gaped at the sight of Ouros' strong figure and defensive symbol that could melt like snow in the heat.

"Sorry, because you had to see this." Zulk wiped his snot, as well as the puddle of water on his beard.

"What did you promise my father to cry so badly, Captain Zulk?"

"Just an simple promise. Nothing special." Zulk's voice shook again. "I hope it's nothing special. But no! That promise is more special than any promise. A friend's promise! I failed! Failed, Erganor!" Her tears fell again.

At least Yugo would have to wait ten minutes for an old man's voice to stop echoing through the room. Even so, he decided to remain silent, not daring to ask anything, afraid that the discordant cry would break out again. It must be a serious matter that Zulk promised his father, Yugo thought.

They never mentioned anything about this. When they meet, Yugo is often just an outlet for Zulk's annoyance, with a hundred paragraphs of lectures and an annoyed sigh. That was why he wasn't comfortable around the dwarf.

Zulk's fragility is a new phenomenon for Yugo. Never was this young dwarf, even when fighting an army of jaguar-rided orcs, more shocking than what had just happened. Yugo's body straightened for a moment Zulk glanced at him with teary red eyes.

"I promise two things. First, before the Great Neferty War, I made sure your father would become the next king of Ouros, but failed. Second, before he died, I made sure that his son would follow in his brother's footsteps to become king, and that failed too. Erganor got nothing from me, even on this sad day. We are good friends, but I can't keep a single promise. What a wretched old dwarf!" Zulk cursed himself.

"Captain Zulk," said Yugo. His hand landed gently on the captain's shoulder. "It's not your fault if the two promises failed to be kept. First, it's not your power to determine someone's destiny of death. My father died, and that's because of his destiny. Second, it's not your power to determine someone's destiny. I chose not to become king, and that's the destiny I chose. No matter how hard I was pushed, my heart would always turn. You know something, Captain Zulk?"

"About what?" said Zulk glumly.

"Your words about the meaning of a king really amazed me. It was never until then that I realized the beauty of being a king. Although I still don't want to be king of Ouros, I have found a new passion." Yugo smiled enthusiastically. "I want to be king of my own people. King of my friends in Mavrick army. With Theryl, Clovy, Eoryl, Fowy, Halmdir and Galmdir. Can you accept me like this, Captain Zulk? Yugo who chose to be king for his friends, not for Ouros." The red-haired dwarf looked deeply at Zulk.

Zulk suddenly looked up. Anyone knew his tears would spill again. But the dwarf immediately hugged Yugo tightly. He patted his back trustingly. Like beloved father and son, those feelings finally conveyed to Zulk.

Yugo's tears that turned out to be broken first. Living as an orphaned dwarf since childhood made him forget how comfortable a warm hug was. Erganor's extraordinary stories were often heard in his ears. However, Zulk's embrace was much more extraordinary. If they were friends from long ago, maybe, Yugo thought, this was how a father's hug felt like.

Zulk's point of view conveys a different feeling. He never had children, never married a female dwarf, because his youth was devoted to the military. Having Yugo in his life was like finding something more precious than diamond and treasures of gold. They get along well, even though their relationship is complicated.

"I see, Yugo. It's useless for us to keep pushing you. It will only make King Arganor's nephew suffer even more." Zulk nodded confidently.

"Thank you. I hope everyone can have as much faith as you in me, Captain Zulk. It's not easy surviving under so much pressure. But I'm glad that there's one who understands me here." Yugo flashed a big smile at the man beside him.

"Yeah, I hope so." Zulk squinted his red eyes repeatedly. "Okay, I think we need to rest. Tomorrow is the day of the inauguration. Gavius ​​will be sworn in at the town hall, and I hope you'll also be there to symbolize the blessing of the Garranor lineage."

"I'll be there." Yugo agreed.

"Good," said Zulk as he got up from the chair. "Don't stay up too late, Yugo. Go back to the palace after meeting your friends." He left in front of Yugo.

I don't know how many tears have been recorded in Yugo's memory today. The roar of sorrow still lingers in the hearts of the people of Ouros after the death of King Arganor. After the news of the election of Gavius ​​as the new king was disseminated by the palace messengers, some of them felt happy and had new hopes.

However, some are as suspicious as Zulk. Nothing can describe a person's intentions and thoughts. At least, before they actually saw the stripes of this particular Barantir dwarves.

~~o0o~~

The dwarves were running happily as far as the eye could see in the kingdom of Ouros this morning. Merchandise outlets lined up like dragons, starting from the main road to the balcony around the stage in the town hall. They sell a lot of food (smoked meat, egg soup, cotton candy, oatmeal, and many more), various beers from various parts of the Ouros plateau, children's toys such as stone dolls or ribbon sticks, to trumpets to be sounded when the inauguration moment arrives. .

Crowds of people began to depart from their brick houses, marching towards the town hall. It was no ordinary field. The footing alone is in the form of an arrangement of flagstone and a mixture of granite that is processed in such a way that anyone who steps on it will feel like entering the hall of kings.

Large tents were also presented, especially for royal music players. The dwarves loved to hear the orchestra, especially the tuba and harp. In addition, the town hall has circular fences planted with hazel and daphne as natural aromatics.

More than all that, and at the same time the most interesting thing in the town hall, is the sprawling lofty stage that is very majestic. The edges are decorated with rows of flags of three mountains which are symbols of the kingdom of Ouros. The underside was solid stone, and the balcony floor was brown oak.

There are a number of silver chairs on either side of the balcony for important people, then in the middle of the row of silver chairs there is a large gold chair specifically for the king. While at the bottom, the seats are more, but only from stone carvings.

At exactly eight o'clock, the palace procession was visible from the town hall. People's attention was drawn to a large golden carriage pulled by eight white ponies. They knew exactly where the new king of Ouros was. The line of dwarves soldiers cut through the sea of ​​​​the masses who never tire of cheering loudly.

Flowers began to be sown, falling like spring rain. Several smaller chariots followed behind the king's ride. It contained the palace officials, followed by an army of royal banner holders in the back row.

As his carriage reached the front of the grand stage, Gavius ​​came out with the sound of a harp and a beautiful musical harmony. He pounds his great robe as a sign of respect for the enthusiastic people of Ouros. Palace officials followed each other to appear on stage. There were important palace meeting's council, royal deliberations, until the Ouros' military chief (Zulk) got out of the carriage with Yugo beside him. They sat upstairs, with Gavius ​​in the golden chair.

Yugo's friends, members of Mavrick army, cheered with joy to encourage their leader. Last night was really a wonderful time. The six dwarves will not forget how Yugo expressed his desire to build his own kingdom, with them as the people. Halmdir and Galmdir tear up. Theryl clapped proudly, accompanied by Fowy and Eoryl. And Clovy gave Yugo the sweetest smile because of his fascination. Now that they were dissolved in the crowd, it was hard for Yugo to see from the balcony.

"Yugo looks a lot like King Arganor in his velvet and wavy collar."

"That's right, Eoryl," said Fowy, whose mouth was dirty with meat sauce. "He will be our king one day. By the way, the meat is delicious."

"I will be the Prime Minister," said Halmdir.

"Or me, because a minute older than you." Galmdir corrected.

"But I am taller than you, Galm!" protested his twin brother

Galmdir stood right next to him, then took a quick measure of their height. He then shook his head triumphantly. "You're taller just because a strand of your hair is standing up. If I do this..." The sparse-toothed dwarf licked his forefinger, and lowered a strand of Halmdir's standing hair. "Perfect! We're the same height now." He smiled superiorly.

"You cheated!" Halmdir snapped. He straightened a strand of his hair again. "Okay, then I'll just be the Prime Minister of the Prime Minister," he said, provoked another laugh.

On the other hand, Theryl just returned from a shop. He folded his right arm behind his back, walking slowly towards Clovy who was busy tiptoeing to see Yugo. As Theryl patted her on the shoulder, the neck-length haired dwarf girl was surprised and smiled shyly.

"He looks great from up there, " Theryl said.

"It's always been like that." Clovy responded. "It's lucky to be Yugo's friend. I used to be just a poor kid who gave in to being bullied by other dwarves. But Yugo came and helped me. From him I learned to be brave. I wish I had something special to give him today." The dwarf's cheeks flushed red as he spoke.

Theryl who heard this immediately faded his smile. The only expression left in his eyes was a pessimistic look. He glanced at the jasmine that always tucked behind Clovy's right ear.

Theryl knew the white flower had always been her favorite. That's why he bought a jasmine, intending to give it a surprise gift. However, Theryl also always knew that he wasn't the dwarf Clovy wanted. Yugo was definitely better than him.

"What is behind you?" Clovy asked curiously.

"No, nothing." He lied. "My hands just went numb, and I folded them." The dwarf squeezed the jasmine in his hand until it broke.

Clovy looked at him a little suspiciously. "Oh. All right."

The welcoming music had stopped, replaced by the sound of Ouros' signature trumpet. It was short and loud, pounding, like a rock falling on another rock. Loud applause colored Gavius's stand against thousands of pairs of eyes hoping for his blessing as king. Balrim also stood up. Now the Supreme Judge will act as an inaugurator.

"All dwarves are welcome to stand!" he asked firmly. The courtiers rose from their silver chairs. "Before the inauguration of the new king begins, I ask all the people of Ouros to bow their heads. Let us recall the service of King Arganor who is now with our ancestors among the shining stars." Balrim then invited Gavius ​​politely.

"People of Ouros, let's bow our heads!" He commanded the thousands of dwarves outside. They can leave the noise in an instant, until solemn silence fills the morning. "Done! May Arganor's blessing be upon this kingdom."

The party trumpets sounded again. The crux of the event was about to arrive. Balrim took the golden scepter brought by the soldiers. The scepter always appears in this sacred event. Happened in front of all the people, Gavius ​​knelt down gracefully, while the head of his wand was an inch above his crown.

"Gavius ​​son of Bardum." Balrim said, everyone listening. "Every mountain has a peak, every river has an estuary, every treasure holds gold, and every heart the people of Ouros longs for a king. In the tenth month of the dwarf year, under the majestic blue sky, witnessed by the scepter and the people of Ouros, I inaugurate you as the twenty-second king of Ouros. Your thoughts and hearts belong to the people. Your actions and words represent the people. Your ingenuity and power must be used for the people. May the ancestors bless you until the time to sing merrily in eternity."

Scepter raised, Gavius ​​slowly stood up. Now it was his turn to swear. "In the name of Ouros, and its beautiful stones, and its mighty fortress, and its majestic palace, its trees, its green land, and its joyful people, I swear to rule this land full of wisdom until the time comes for the eternal gathering of ancestors... among the shining stars!"

Like a thunderstorm in the heat, thunderous applause rolled in throughout Ouros. Officials, courtiers, peasants, merchants, sweepers, and children rejoice at the new beginning of their kingdom. Music plays lively, people start dancing, shops begin to fill up again, while Gavius raised a glass of the king's special beer.

Yugo shuffled out of his chair, approaching the new king for a handshake. Of course Gavius ​​gave him a full welcome respect. The dwarf's small eyes contrasted with his wide smile. Back then, no one realized that they had just appointed someone who would bring about many changes to Ouros.

Not for Yugo, nor for the officials and the people, except for Zulk who looked furious. What will Ouros become after this, he thought. The Descendant of Barantir, the dwarves who had once stalked Garranor, had ascended the throne. What success will he bring? Or just the deadly snake venom?

(To be continued)