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Chapter 8
Benedict stood before Atomas. “I am truly not surprised. I had heard it all before we entered the city in any event. There is truly no end to your corruptness is there?”
Atomas ignored Benedict’s question. “Who are you? How dare you come into my city? I will have you burned slowly and fed to the maggots.”
“You have no city left Atomas. You have no kingdom. You are here to be sentenced for your crimes against the kingdom and its people.”
“What crimes you fool? I am King!”
“You were king. You are king no more. And for your information, even kings can be held responsible for committing crimes
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Dargo entered the headquarters of the Black Cloaks. He did not have to send for his second in command, Tode. Tode was waiting anxiously when he arrived.“Thank the blessings of the Gods and the blessed Gods themselves!” Tode exclaimed rising to meet Dargo. “You are safe!”Dargo waved his hand dismissively. “A narrow escape. Thank you for the warning. What is happening?”“The news is not good at all. I fear Kyrshom is overthrown. One thousand soldiers entered the gates from the East shortly after the festival ended. The guards were drunk as usual on the festival night and were no resistance at all to the intruders.”“Who are they? Do you know?”“Not yet. But we are trying to find out.”“How did we not know Tode?” Dargo asked in disbelief. “How is it possible? Have we been compromised?”“I cannot say for sure but the gates were opened from inside.”Dargo was quiet as he absorbed Tode’s words. Tode was a short, round man with a bald head. Sweat glistened on his head in the lantern light a
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 10
“To all gathered here today, take heed and share the word. Anyone who does not know is deemed to have heard this announcement and non-compliance to the new order will not be tolerated.” The people looked at each other, confused. “King Atomas, Queen Hester and Princess Alexa, no longer rule in Kyrshom or anywhere in the kingdom of Aleghor. They have been deposed and anyone who still serves them as rulers of Aleghor is forthwith considered a traitor and will be sentenced to death if caught.” A murmur went through the crowd of twenty thousand people standing before the palace. The man reading the scroll looked up nervously, licked his lips and continued. “King Atomas has already been tried for his crimes and will be put to death shortly for crimes against the kingdom of Aleghor and its people.” Another murmur went through the crowd louder than the first. The man looked around nervously again. Fearfully. If the crowd decided to break through the barriers they could easily do so. He st
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 11
The city of Kyrshom was the capital of the Kingdom of Aleghor but it was not the only city in the kingdom which was overthrown. Every major city in the kingdom had been taken over in the same manner on the night of the festival of Kelaspin. Little or no resistance was encountered at all. In the months that followed people would continue to speculate about who had betrayed the kingdom to the people who now ruled. Blame fell on the Black Cloaks who had denied any involvement and put the word out that they had played no role in the change of rule in the kingdom.In the city of Galabag, the change that occurred meant little to Samnom who was fifteen circles of age.Samnom was a small boy for his age. As a result he was the object of many a bully’s attention and rage. He faced many beatings but always stood up again. He learned not to cry. His mother had died when he was born. He was brought up by his father who was the blacksmith of Galabag. His father always admonished him for getting bea
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 12
The man at the top of the stairs spoke clearly and firmly.“I am Benedict, your new King!” He paused, letting it sink in and gauging the people’s reaction.There was a low murmur but it was not one of disagreement.Benedict continued. “I claim the Kingdom of Aleghor as mine by right of birth. I am the descendant of King Maltay who was overthrown by Atomas’ ancestors.”A murmur ran through the crowd now. Louder than before as the older people recalled the overthrow of King Maltay.“Atomas has been tried for his crimes against the people and kingdom of Ale
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 13
Benedict watched the crowd as they departed. There had been no announcement that Benedict was finished speaking. It seemed that Atomas’ head had made the announcement.Benedict turned and retreated into the palace. Raeme fell into step beside him. “Burn Atomas body and head. Immediately.”“My Lord. It is not recommended to do so…”“I care not for recommendations at a time like this. Recommendations based on superstitions are mere stupidity and will bring a kingdom down as surely as corruption will.”“I respect your view my Lord. I do not share the superstition, but the people have the greatest influence and it is their superstition. And to go against their superstitions will possibly make it harder to gain their trust. It will be harder to achieve what it is you aim to achieve.”“The people’s stupid superstitions are part of what made them accept the rule of a corrupt fool. I will have all memory of him erased from this kingdom as soon as possible and these foolish superstitions along
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 14
Benedict watched the smoke billow skywards from the balcony of his chambers. Atomas body had been wrapped in cloth separate from his head and both placed on the pyre which had been lit and now burned furiously.The pyre had been built in the palace square and few people came to watch. The absence of many spectators attested to what Raeme had said. The people’s disappointment regarding ignoring the superstition was voiced by their absence.Benedict questioned whether he had done the wrong thing in ignoring Raeme but then pushed the thought aside. The people would forget soon enough and all would return to normal. They would learn that their superstitions were unfounded. The wind changed direction then and drove the smoke and stench of burning flesh towards Benedict. He cursed as his eyes began to water and the repugnant smell reached his nose. Even now, Atomas seemed to cling to Benedict. He closed the door to his balcony to shut out the smoke and stench. It was too late. The stench li
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 15
A knock at Benedict’s chamber door startled him from his reverie where he stood looking at the remains of Atomas funeral pyre.“Come in!” he called.The chamber doors opened and guards entered leading the former Queen Hester. “Your highness. The lady Hester as ordered.”“Thank you,” Benedict replied not removing his gaze from the funeral pyre. When he heard the doors close behind the guards, Benedict turned to face Hester. He opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t. He had never seen Hester until now. She curtsied and bowed her head in respect. “Your Highness.”Benedict heard no sarcasm or malice in her voice. She showed respect to the man who had killed her husband and taken the kingdom from her family less than a day ago. She was clearly well schooled in politics and matters of the court.He nodded to Hester and crossed to her coming to a halt before her. He looked down at Hester. He had never seen a woman more beautiful in all his life.He held out his hand and she gave him hers. H
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 16
Benedict studied Hester. She seemed concerned but he saw little or no sadness on her face at the confirmation of her husband’s death.“Forgive me for prying, but you do not seem too saddened at the passing of Atomas.”Hester looked at Benedict. “It is no secret that our marriage was nothing but a convenience in the end. The love that began it all waned a long time ago when he chose…….,” Hester seemed to search for the correct word,” ……..others, to share his bed. I am saddened by his passing. I loved him and always will. There are things that make us love people and despite their faults we shall always love them for what it is that makes us love them. But I prepared myself for his passing since this morning and distance betwe
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