After a few hours rest, clean-up, and preparation, Grinless and company were called down again for the ceremony and reward. Krigga was still chugging away at his chicken blood, a discomfited server trailing him with a jug of more.

Grinless harrumphed, "What dis ceremony 'bout? Why we gots ta go? Only reward me wants is to leave forever!"

Fernfrick sang out, "But Master Grinny, they're finally going to officially recognize you in all your glory! Isn't it grand?"

Goobdwib swelled out his chest, "And you'll finally get credit for all the good deeds done and battles won. Brings a manly tear to me eye!"

Krigga just sloppily chugged more blood and hiccuped loudly.

Both elf and dwarf looked at Krigga worriedly. Goobdwib said, "Maybe you should take it easy on that stuff…"

Krigga coughed and snapped, "Me celebratin! For Master-buddy-boss Grinless. Off me back!"

They returned to the throne room jam-packed with nobles, knights, servants, and some nicely dressed peasants allowed in because they looked and smelled clean for the official ceremony, the king and chancellor before the dais beaming at everyone. After much droning and lengthy officiating, the main chancellor and master of ceremonies presented some scroll of importance and fancy-looking jeweled sword to the king Iforgothisname. "This, the accord of all human lands, I award thee, finally uniting all under the ancient stewardship of the Fitz dynasty. And with this, the ancestral blade signifies the divine right to rule. These I present to you, O King, now Emperor."

The king, resplendent in fresh robes and heavier begemmed crown, stepped forward. "I do hereby accept these, to take the reins of humankind, under the ancient and mighty name Fitz, to unite all for strength and safety."

Grinless blinked sleepily, but the humans smiled brightly.

The king went on, "And now, with all the power at my command, I shall whip this land into shape. I shall hunt down our enemies and slay them to the last child.

“I shall take control of all commerce and fill the royal coffers first, so fueling the Fitz family forevermore. My word is law, and none shall disobey me or else face my wrath."

The king’s, now emeperor’s, face had changed into something sinister and tyrannical. The people finally caught on, looking around nervously.

"It's too late, the accord signifies my power and control of all. I played the nice king, but now the games are over. My might makes right. Poppa's home, baby! It's good to be the king." He laughed maniacally as the crowd murmured in horror and shock. His guards brought weapons about threatening all into silence.

Goobdwib scratched his head, "This don't seem quite right. Totally different direction from a minute ago..."

Fernfrick looked panicked, appealing to Grinless, "I don't think people knew this was in store for them when making the accord. Quick, do something Grinless. This could enslave all humankind!"

Grinless yawned and shrugged. "Me no care. When can leave?"

Krigga just drank more blood, snapping fingers at the servant, "Keep blood pouring."

Something dawned in Goobdwib's helmet brain, "Oh no, what've ye done Grinless? You must undo this, or even other people's lands could be affected. Dwarf, goblin, even silly wood-elf-"

Ferfrick protested, "Hey!"

"-Ye gotta fix this Grin, for the good of all."

Grinless shook off the dwarf's hand, "Me no did nuffin, me no gots do nuffin. Lemme alone. Your fault anyways!"

Goobdwib then began wrestling the magic sword of Konam from Grinless' pack, "Well, if not you, then someone ought ter do something-"

"Hey, give back! Only meat-roaster now, not magic sword!"

The sword protested thrummingly, aching for battle.

They fought until finally the sword flew out (perhaps aided by the magical spirit of Konam) high into the air, and struck the ancient Fitz sword.

CRACK!

All fell silent as the swords clattered to the ground. The accords had somehow also been shredded in the sword's flight, ribbons falling to the floor. The chancellor, the king's man, glanced at the king, "It's only a crack, m'lord. The sword can be fixed and the accords can be pasted together-"

The royal sword shattered and crumbled to dust. The accord shreds burst into flames, down to ashes. A breeze howled thru the throne room and blew accord-ash and sword-dust to the far corners of the lands.

The chancellor's face fell, "Nope, that's it. We're boned."

Grinless' magic sword then chimed gleefully and returned to its master's hand. He cursed, "Fartstaff! Why this always happen?"