Excerpts

Here is where I post excerpts, and, after I publish, maybe even some deleted scenes.

Lord Jjyrdin, Lord Shain, Lord Aeshyr, Lord Cerk, Lord Paal, and Lord Liyli, and the kings of each race were seated on their respective thrones as the Elder Priest, Casef, pompously announced the arrival of the king, and the ornate gate to the Ceremonial Dais swung open.  The king stood there, decked in his best robes, holding a child.  His queen stood beside him, beautifully arrayed as well, holding the other baby in her arms.
  As one, the crowd of perhaps four million knelt to their king.  Elves, giants, dwarves, gnomes, nymphs, humans, and giants alike, all united under a single ruler.  The lords and racial kings all stood and bowed to the high king, as Casef strode forward, a solemn yet joyful look on his face.
  The royal couple knelt before the priest who raised a hand.  He was elderly, but not old, and his body, as well as his mind, was still razor-sharp.  The crowd waited with bated breath for the ageless words to be spoken over the two unsuspecting children, each sleeping soundly in their parent's arms.
  The priest's voice was strong and clear as it rang through the crisp morning air. "On this day, these two children will be dedicated to Adonai! He has, at long last blessed with an heir to the throne which He has established." Casef turned to the beaming parents, "Will you with the help of Adonai, grow these children straight and true?"
  "By His strength!" the king and queen replied in unison.
  "Will you help them walk the narrow road, being their guide rail on one side and a help on the other?"
  "By His strength."
  "Will you be their shield, keeping them pure and unstained from evil?"
  "By His strength."
  "Will you, on that day, send them joyfully into the world, knowing that they have been equipped well?"
  "If He wills it."
  "By your profession, these children have been dedicated to the creator of this world.