The Kingdom or Life
Lord Garth ordered the prisoners brought before him. when King Raymond and Kylos entered, they beheld Lord Garth, seated at the desk.
“What do you want?” asked King Raymond.
Lord Garth sat in silence. He studied his nails thoughtfully.
“Well?” exclaimed the King.
Lord Garth looked up. “What do I want?” he repeated reflectively, “That is simple. I want your kingdom.”
“My kingdom!” cried the King, “Well you shall not have it!”
“Ah, but it is either that, or your life.”
“My life! Elliott!” cried the King, using Lord Garth’s first name, “We grew up together! And yet you would do this to me?”
Lord Garth listened calmly, then he spoke, “Yes. And I always got less. You always had more! It was not fair! Now I seek justice!” he said fiercely.
“Justice! Murdering me would be justice?” exclaimed the King.
“No, I do not wish to kill you. If you will only give me your kingdom, I will give you your life.”
“My kingdom,” said King Raymond, stubbornly, “I will nevergive you.”
“Even if the lives of both you and your son hang in the balance?” asked Lord Garth.
King Raymond grew pale. “You would kill my son also?” he exclaimed, unbelievingly, “Kylos is but nineteen!”
Lord Garth shrugged.
“Anyway, I am willing to give my life for my kingdom! I will not place a tyrant over my people,” declared King Raymond.
“I also will give my life,” Kylos said quietly, “If my father is willing to do so, I can do no less.”
“Ah, but it is not you who will make the choice, anyway.” Said Lord Garth.
“It is not?” asked King Raymond.
“No. Your daughter will make the decision.”
“Adara! She is a child!” said King Raymond.
“Yes, but she is loving. I have the feeling that she will not willingly sacrifice her family for a measly kingdom,” said Lord Garth, “Guards, take the prisoners back to their cell.”
“Wait!” said King Raymond, “May I write a message to my daughter?”
Lord Garth hesitated, then he said, unwillingly, “Yes.”
King Raymond quickly wrote on a paper. He finished and then signed it. Lord Garth read it. He looked up, “You think that this will change her mind?” he asked mockingly.
“No, but perhaps it will help her make a decision,” replied King Raymond.
The guards dragged King Raymond and Kylos back to their dungeon cell.
* * * * *
Walter journeyed back towards the castle. But then one night, he heard from an outlaw friend that there was a man named Derek looking for him. Walter feared Derek greatly. His fear overcame his loyalty to the Princess, and he fled from that part of the country, traveling at night, on horseback.
* * * * *
The man wrapped his cloak tighter around his face. The night was chilly. If he could find an inn for the night, he would stay there until morning. He could continue in the morning. His back was hunched with age, and his steps faltered. Then, ahead of him, he heard hoofbeats. Out of the fog, came a horse and rider. “Whoa,” said a voice.
The horse stopped and stood still. The rider dismounted.
“Do you need any help?” he asked the traveler.
“Ah, I wish to get to an inn for the night,” the traveler told him.
“My horse can carry two.”
“Thank you, you are kind.”
The rider helped the traveler mount, and then did so himself.
“This is a dreary night to be traveling alone,” said the rider.
“Aye, and my old bones are weary, but I have a mission.” said the traveler, quietly.
“A mission?” questioned the rider.
“Aye, a mission to bring Hope,” said the traveler.
“Hope? To whom?” asked the rider, curiously.
“A friend. I must complete the journey by tomorrow evening, or it will be too late.”
The rider listened silently. “Is it a far journey?” he asked.
“Ah, my destination is near Rathin,” replied the traveler.
“Rathin! You will not make it in time,” exclaimed the rider, “Not on foot! I have just come from near there, and it took me nearly a day’s journey, and I was pressing my horse to full speed.”
“Aye, I know. Perhaps…” he hesitated, then went on, “Perhaps you could deliver my message?”
“No!” cried the rider harshly. He felt the other start in surprise. “I mean, I have had trouble there. I cannot return.”
“All experience trouble. It is those who overcome it, who get on in the world,” the old man said, “Tell me your story, perhaps I can help. I specialize in helping those in trouble.”
“And I need all the help I can get. But it is long.”
“I have time. How far is the nearest inn?”
“I passed it a few miles back. I am going there now,” said the rider.
“Ah, it is the right direction for me, but you have just come from there,” said the traveler.
“It is no trouble. I may start my story?” asked the rider.
“Aye, it will shorten the journey.”
End of Chapter Eight
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