The Clever Advisor

*Note: Although the names of the characters in this story may recur in history, this story is purely fictional.

The country had been shrouded in darkness for over a century. The last pure-blooded king, Charles IX, had fallen to the sword so long ago that the oldest and sharpest of mind could no longer remember. But legend foretold that a new, royal-blooded heir to the throne would rise, one that would restore peace, victory, and serenity to the war-beaten country.

On the dawn of that day, April 23, everyone thought that the legend had come back to reclaim its own! An heir had been found, though only indirectly related to the royal family, a young man of 17, named Edward. He was rushed to the capital city, and crowned Edward the First, "The beginning of the Reign of Kings once more, and the end of the long line of stewards."

Everyone welcomed him with heaven-praised ecstasy, and young Edward I was immediately under full responsibility of the entire kingdom. Everyone believed that the old legend had come true.

But not for long.

King Edward was more perverted from benevolence than his bloodline suggested. He knew he was connected to the old royal family, and nourished these thoughts in his head, day after day, until he was fully saturated with the idea that one day he would possess full power. He was a selfish little brat, although no one dared call him that, for fear that one day he would crush them under his iron fist.

But few people knew Edward's true nature, they rather told themselves that he was a dream come true to reassure themselves.

Immediately King Edward made arrangements for his colossal plans. He decided that he would have a new palace and a wall built around the capital city by the end of the month. He decided that he would commission all of the lowly peasants to work toward those selfish causes, and convince them that it was for their own good. He called in his Adviser, Charles by name, and told him his plans.

"O great King," Charles said as he knelt to the floor, "I do not think this would be the wisest course of action. For your peasants still need time to trust your pure and just judgment, O King."

"I think not, Adviser," King Edward replied. "I think they have full trust in my judgment. I shall not wait for my great plans to unfold. Tell my people to begin work now."

"Be it so then, my King," said Charles.

Charles was an old and clever man, smarter than one might think by looking at him. His family had been around the castle since who knows when. King Edmund disregarded him as an old fool. But Charles had his own plans, plans to teach the King and the whole country that self-acclaimed wisdom is vain.

The construction began. All of the possible supplies were brought to the capital city, emptying the reservoirs in the other towns. Peasants strained under the heavy loads of stone and lumber, and heaved the bricks up the walls under the hot noonday sun. They started to wonder if they had got the legend wrong.

Old Adviser Charles returned to the King's throne room the following day. He knelt to the floor.

"O wise and powerful King, I have thought over the advice I gave you earlier, and think it necessary to change my mind. I believe that you are correct in your decision. Build the wall and the palace, and everyone will know that you are powerful."

"Yes, I am glad to see you have changed your mind, humble Advisor," King Edward replied.

"And I believe that you should build a great statue of Yourself, so that everyone may look at your royal highness as they go back and forth to bring the timber from the river bank."

"Yes, that would be incredible," the King said thoughtfully. "Begin work right away, but do not halt work on the other projects."

"As you wish, O King."

Charles knew that this was impossible. He knew that there would not be enough supplies, that the people would doubt the King, that they would revolt, that they would wish for a new king. When he told this to King Edward, he was speechless.

"You wouldn't- you cowardly traitor-"

"You, see, King Edward, you are no match for the wits of true royal blood! I call myself Charles because I am Charles indeed! I am King Charles the Tenth!"

King Edward's mouth gaped, but no words came out.

Charles continued: "I knew the only way that I could get into power is if the people despised their current king. That is why I let you into power. Now they will see that I am the true king, and they will welcome me as the restorer of the prophecy! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a revolt to stop."

King Edmund sat astonished in his chair, while down below, a steady drum sounded, and the first stroke of a battering ram shook the castle doors.