Late in the afternoon, Ramius stood on the elevated platform above the parade ground and the crowd. The prior evening, on that very stage, there had been a celebrated dramatic performance by a talented group of actors and dancers. But now, the mood was somber. Their leader, their creator of a new way of life and a new civilization, stood before his people for the last time. He was hunched, lopsided, and in pain as a result of the fall, which had left him only partially healed and permanently broken.
As he spoke, many could not hear what he said, as the crowd exceeded a thousand people, many of whom were former Victorians. Even more were native Edenites, and there was a fair number of well-assimilated and grateful minions and their descendants. They didn’t need to hear the speech. They all knew what was going to happen. Those in the back heard a roar of applause and just followed along as Ramius Junior came up to join his mother and father.
Then, RJ’s family joined the growing group of dignitaries on stage. They were holding hands, and their arms were raised high. Ramius handed something to his son. A ring? Maybe. It wasn’t clear from the back. But it didn’t matter. Life was moving on. RJ would maintain the course, steady as she goes. Everyone was relieved, and RJ would live a long life. For a long time to come, no one would have to deal with the uncertainty of who was in charge. What a relief.
Wives cursed the whole affair. The example Ana was setting … was it now expected? Women wondered whether their tired, reckless husbands would drag them to the bottom of the lake as well. This was the main topic of discussion among the women. For the most part, their reaction was one of outrage. “She can’t live without him. It’s a perfect love story,” they would say. “I, on the other hand, do not love my husband the way she loves Ramius. I can definitely live without him.” And, so, it was clear. The strong-willed Edenite women would not follow such a tradition, although many probably would— those lacking any sense of themselves and any kind of independence. “Not I,” they would say.
RJ had now ascended officially, and soon, the big rally broke into applause and cheers. But it died down quickly. No one felt particularly festive under the circumstances, and the gathering disbanded. The evening was a chance to reflect. The entire town, which was now transforming into a city, was unusually quiet. The next day, the parade grounds once again came to life as dozens of people made preparations for a big bash. Everyone was welcome.
Ramius released nearly his full cellar of wines, ales, and spirits, and there were several varieties of herd animals turning slowly on the spits surrounding the venue. The aromas carried through the town. Bakers and restaurants were all pressed into service for the event, but they were paid handsomely. People started filtering in during the late afternoon, following the toll of the bell and the sound of drums from the live music that began to play up on the stage.
There would be an endless procession of musical acts, each getting a chance to perform at its best, as a tribute to Eden’s founder and great leader. Ramius, Ana, and the rest of their family, including RJ and his family, came, said words, walked among the people, and said their goodbyes. They left as darkness fell, but the party was only just starting. It raged late into the night, and eventually, the army came through to break up a few squabbles and herd the drunks out of the fairgrounds and back to their homes.
Ramius and Ana stayed up late, enjoying the spring air and the clear night, which revealed more stars than they could ever remember seeing. They enjoyed the sounds of the party, and they could see into the parade grounds from their terrace.
At last, as the chill started to set in, they retired to their room for one last night in the Big House.
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