Arthur felt himself jump at least a foot in the air when the doors slammed open. The guards he had posted near the entrance seemed just as startled. Hand went to spear or sword, but no one made a move to attack the robed figure, which Arthur did not understand.  He could only watch as the person approached, the strange clack of their staff echoing much louder than the sound of their footsteps. He couldn't seem to move, eyes watching as what he thought might be an old man who used the staff for aid made his way to the front of the room. An old man, perhaps, but what old man had the strength to throw open the doors the way this one had?<br/><br/>As the figure bowed and knelt before him, he wanted to tell them to get up- if he had trouble walking, he should not pain himself on ceremony- but then the voice reached his ears. A female voice, one he recognized. He had not heard it in five years, but doubted he would ever forget the voice of the woman who had saved his life. He smiled as she gave him a wink. Thank you, God... he thought with relief.<br/>He listened in stunned silence as the woman went on to defend him. Not only question his accuser, but to dishonor his family name and his title! Arthur did not believe it possible- could this manâ€™s father really be a pirate!?  It must have been true, he realized, as he watched the manâ€™s face as he sunk back onto his cushioned seat. She whirled back around to gesture at the throne.<br/>â€œThis boy was chosen by powers higher then all of you could ever comprehend to take the throne!<br/>Her words did not surprise him- the King ruled by Divine Right, everyone knew that. God had wished for him to be king. Her next words though, were a revelation that made his jaw feel as though it had dropped and clattered on the floor.<br/>His father! Uthar Pendragon!? How could that be? Heâ€™d never known his father- how could this woman know something he did not know himself. He was so stunned that he was sure he was one with the people as they gasped. The sound echoed as the woman continued, and he almost missed it as he tried to understand his new â€“and now legitimate- place in the world.<br/>â€œâ€¦Continue with addressing the court.â€<br/>He gave the woman and the court a startled look before coming back to himself. He took a careful breath and silence hung as he thought. These words were important, and he had to choose them wisely.<br/>â€œâ€¦I am Arthur, son of Uthar Pendragon and I am your King.â€  Words failed him for a moment- what was he supposed to say? He had called these people together, and now he did not know what to say.<br/>â€œI have called you together today to tell all you of, in person, that things are going to change. In order to rise above these dark times and into the light, things cannot stay the same. It may be my right to rule you, but it is by the Grace of God that I do so, and I hold myself to that standard. The dream of Kings before me has been to create the kingdom of heaven in the earthly realm, and it is mine as well. I wish my people to behave as I would, to be an example for others to follow. I agree with the clergy that each man has his place and does according to Godâ€™s design. I believe also that every man can receive guidance and grace from God, and that he cares for all in his flock in equal measure. Which brings me to my first proclamation as your King.â€<br/>The young man took a deep breath in preparation.<br/>â€œFrom this day onward, any man in your service, in any capacity, has the right to go to a magistrate on his own behalf, or the behalf of a family member, and voice any complaints they may have about their Lord. I will have these position filled shortlyâ€¦If you have any concerns, I will hear them now. I will take them into consideration, but please do not expect me to change my mind.â€<br/>He looked out at the people, knowing that this was unprecedented. They were undoubtedly shocked. He only hoped they could contain themselves- they were grown men and women after all.