Chapter 11 [Two Turns of the Hourglass Later—Capital City Remains]
Order restored itself next to its devastated city's remains. Families came back together. Freed soldiers dressed in their reclaimed armor and weapons stood guard over their former captors. Messengers rushed out to find the other refugee camps.
Visis and Krylar stood trial before them as if the verdict were in doubt. As Banner himself pronounced and Jarella agreed, Visis had forfeited the right to clemency between his crimes on K 'ai and Earth. Both he and Krylar paid the ultimate price.
The others were stripped of their former ranks and reduced to servitude. The opportunity to earn their way back remained open to them albeit after a period of time and service. The remaining rebels remained in the countryside but would endure a similar fate soon after.
Having finished that, Jarella called, "My good priest, are you prepared?"
"Yes, my Queen." The priest made his way through the crowd. He bowed to the royal couple. "Are you both ready?"
"We are." Banner nodded to him.
"We are indeed." Jarella turned to face her Intended. "Proceed please. Lord Torla? Our friends? As we discussed?"
Namor and the Valkyrie stood at Banner's side. Torla and the Pantheon stood with her.
The priest read from his holy book. He reminded the couple of their duties to one another. Then he asked, "Lord Bruce Banner, do you take Queen Jarella to love, respect and honor for as long as you shall live?"
"I take this special woman…this once in a multiverse woman…to be my partner, mate and Queen with all of my heart." Banner smiled at her.
"And you, my Queen, do you take Lord Bruce Banner to love, respect and honor for as long as you shall live?" the priest asked.
"Without hesitation, I take this most wondrous man as my partner, mate and King with all of my heart." Jarella smiled back at him. She kissed his hand.
"Then by the grace of the emerald goddess, I declare you both husband and wife. You may kiss and be recognized, my Queen and Lord." The priest stepped back and bowed to them.
"At last! We are joined, Bruce." Jarella put her head against his chest.
"It was worth fighting for." Banner embraced her. Then they turned to face the jubilant people.
Torla stepped forward. "Will you both bow? As the emerald goddess' representative, it is my duty and pleasure to reestablish the monarchy's ancient authority. I would normally ask for your oaths. However, I know your hearts and minds on such matters. We have all heard you swear loyalty to K 'ai and our people. We have seen you both sacrifice a great deal. We have witnessed your hearts and caring. Now you are entrusted with that stewardship. Normally I would crown you, my Queen. Then you would crown our King. Still as it is your will that your rule be shared, I will do so."
"This is our desire." Jarella bowed her head.
"Then it shall be done, Dear Lady." Torla hoisted the Queen's crown, a golden headband encrusted in jewels. He set it once more on her head. "Once more you are our leader. May you continue to walk with Grace's way."
"I shall indeed for our people, Lord Torla. Thank you." Jarella nodded.
"Thank you, my Queen. And you, my Lord Bruce Banner, Prince to our people and Friend to the Beasts, I know you will continue on your path in our service as well." Torla picked up a thicker golden crown with more jewels encrusted on it. He set it on Banner's head. "Now you are King Bruce Banner. May you have many prosperous years ruling at our Queen's side.' He bowed to them both.
Banner nodded. "Many successful and prosperous years indeed!" He rose and then helped Jarella to her feet. "Our people! This day is for you! Thank you!" He raised her hand with his.
"Together we will rebuild! We will serve together!" Jarella affirmed. "Now we celebrate together!" She pointed toward the tables with cooked meat bowing them. "Eat more! Regain your strength! For tomorrow, we begin the rebuilding of our world!"
And with that, everything was back on course….