The King

The emperor had many troubles he had to attend to . His son being sick was at the tope of his mind but he could not let that information slip to anyone . It was better that it remained a secret for the time being . Presently the nation was put at risk by a traitor . He has sold the state secrets to a far away king who has been trying to gain foothold of Androda for a very long time . The legend says the fire chariot has defended against this evil king many a times , but that story is for another time . Such legends do not exist in these times . Powerful warriors have not shown up in a hundred years or more . Even the evil king is said to be not as powerful as he once was . The wars were once fought between may such beings capable of supernatural power , but now the times have changed and it has become more political and resource minded . The present age most of the kingdoms can be treated with reason , but the evil king still maintains the way . He is still seen as unpredictable and a tad too insane . But the senile man has lately been showing a strategical side too , aligning with the times . His cause for expansion once was not known , just out of bloodthirst and cruelty . Now there seems to be a reason behind it , for the reason still not will be acceptable to a rational mind .

The scene turns to the courtroom :

Emperor grant a man his dying wish said Philippe . What's his death wish .? asked the emperor visibly irritated with the interruption . His wish is to die , replied Philippe . Well that's what I am offering you , the emperor said . I'm offering this man his death . But Emperor , you are to hang him in front of the towers . In front of the whole town watching ? . Yes you are right . That's what a traitor demands . A traitor whose life he valued more than the others , more than his people . And now I will show you what his life means . That he hangs above and the people clap . But emperor exclaimed Philippe , this man on his deathbed has no other wish but to die . His eyes speak of no will to live and his words mean the same and yet you think the punishment is to hang him ? .

I don't Understand , it seems to me that it's a straightforward situation replied the puzzled emperor . But you see my lord , you are now not punishing him but merely granting him his wish . And that is no way justice is delivered in this land . For the crimes this man has committed he needs to be punished . But Philippe ! said the emperor you have put us in a conundrum . What you imply is that this man walks away free and that is his punishment ? Yes my lord , that is his punishment . But he walks away to nothing , he walks away to a town he has disgraced and that shall throw disgrace upon him . He walks away to a life he doesn't want in the first place .

But Philippe won't he betray us again , put our nation in peril ? Asked the emperor as he lays his eyes on the prisoner for the first time . He sure will , a rat remains a rat Philippe . A trusted commander who I entrusted my life in the past and yet he betrays me . ? He turns against his own nation . Look at him he can't even look me in the eye . A betrayal that speaks ill to my name , I'll to my reign .

The court Adjourns :

The king still remains perplexed why his trust minister would sell his state secret to the mad king . A man very much trusted by the king and seen as a logical and loyal man has gone and done this . There must be some reason to this , but I do not have the time to concentrate on the affairs of a traitor now . He is going to hang at all costs . Lets be done with that . I shall speak to Philippe on my own . Should Philippe know the troubles of my son , He is a brilliant young man and an excellent counsel . Maybe he will have some answers to the questions that trouble my mind .

a few hours later

King to Philippe :

Philippe , called out the king to his study . Please have a seat said the king . Why are you to defend him , I Know he is your friend , but you do not need to support a traitor . We have other things to take care of Philippe , we have to prepare our defense against the attacks of the mad king now .

Yes Sir , I understand the situation . But I do defend my him , at least in my eyes he must have a valid reason to his betrayal . The reason i do not know , he has not uttered a word about his actions . Maybe he does want to die ! . And that is why he committed the treason .

Philippe said the king in a mildly authoritative voice : He is to hang and that is my final decision .

Yes sir , accepted Philippe . We do have more serious matters to tend to . Let us prepare our defenses and put them in strategical positions . Sir if i may , said Philippe . What was the reason for Groges to visit us , is any one in the royal house sick . And sir I'm aware Groges specializes in the untreatable . Sorry if the question was bit too rude sir , its just out of a general concern .

No no , its quite alright Philippe . I have been meaning to consult you on this matter . The young prince in on his deathbed Philippe . A quite surprised Philippe responded , I was afraid that was to be the situation sir . Well is there any chance he survives sir , asked Phillipe who was now quite concerned . I think its up to the gods now I'm afraid . If it was only up to us mortals I do not think he survives . But the gods have performed miracles previously , so lets hope for the best Philippe . But in in the interim . I would like you to act as my deputy Phillipe . If that is ok

Yes Sir , of course that would be an honor . I pledge my allegiance to the land till death do us apart . replied Philippe . Well that is good . We have a lot of work to do . Said the King

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