Varrigan remained motionless for what seemed like an eternity, kneeling before the throne. It was one of His Majesty’s favorite “games” to leave his subjects at his feet, waiting for an audience. Sometimes, they were left for hours while His Majesty ate, sang to himself, or amused his courtiers by using the kneeling subject as a foot rest.
“Oh, Varrigan, ” His Majesty said at last, “You don’t look like you had any fun. I was I could have been there. I would have had fun. Tell me, did the ones who burned scream?” Varrigan raised his eyes slightly. “No, Sire. They….died bravely.” Disappointment was visible on His Majesty’s countenance. “Pity”, he murmured, “I do like it when they scream”.
His Majesty sat thoughtfully for a few minutes before he spoke again. “Yes, yes, well done, Varrigan. You never disappoint me.” His Majesty eyed his courtiers distrustfully. “You’re the only one who never disappointed me.” His Majesty waved a hand and a brimming chalice of wine was brought forth. His Majesty swirled the wine thoughtfully, spilling drops as red as blood onto the stone floor.
“I have another task for you. Tomorrow, you and the Hand will journey to Vermara.” Varrigan raised his eyes and searched His Majesty’s grinning face. “Sire?” was all he could manage. “Oh yes, Varrigan. I know you were born there. I raised you from that filthy little village, remember? They have displeased me, Varrigan. They refuse to give the army more grain. Their women even attempt to resist the sport of my soldiers. They are traitors, and they must be punished. Do you understand, Varrigan?”
Varrigan, for the first time that he could remember, felt his conscience reproach him. “Yes, Sire” was all he could manage. His Majesty waved a hand and Varrigan stood up, turned on his heel, and walked quickly out of the throne room. Tomorrow, Varrigan would return home, but as the herald of death and destruction. It was a role he had embraced dozens of time before. Somehow, he knew this time would be different.
To Be Continued……
General
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