The Reed Crown

The Reed Crown is woven to bend, which is why Keldrun trusts it more than gold. The presiding speaker of the Ember Moot wears it during travelling sessions, under smoke, rain, and the eyes of riders who know authority should return to the halls when the crisis ends. Its reeds are replaced when they crack, but the old fibres are burned in public so no one forgets that power is temporary by design. The crown is beautiful in its humility. It is also a warning: a speaker who tries to keep it after the ride becomes a problem every hall understands.