Somebody Else's Space Program
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Chapter Sixty One "Unto the Death gois all Estatis,
Princis, Prelatis, and Potestatis,"
The procession started at the palace, and wound to the temple in the center of the city. Josgoroth walked in the midst of his brothers and sisters. Mairyonven was surrounded by her children, with one exception. Envyss walked by himself, no kin.
"I don't walk with you?"
"No. You meet me at the temple. If I had a different partner and children, they would walk with me."
"Does that happen?"
"Josgoroth is Jheraind's son. It obviously happens." Envyss drew the older man's head down for a kiss. "Lucky. It's a long walk, and you get to ride ahead."
"What do I do for _your_ funeral?"
"Tired of me already?"
"No. I was just thinking that I didn't have any special role at Jheraind's funeral."
"Jheraind was just the heir, not the Lord Protector." A messenger at the door -- time to go. "We'll talk later. But one funeral a year is more than enough, alright?"