About a week later, the thief had been rotting away in the dungeon. It was the day to watch him hang. He met his maker and now it was time for him to be cast into hell and meet the devil at the Firey gates. I awakened from a restful night, as soon as I got up, I put on my armor and headed to the heart of the kingdom, where there was a stage and a chopping block. Everyone was gathered around, awaiting the event. Faint chattering between the people of Greengrass and guards standing still near the stage entrances.
I was among the people with my sword in its sheath, on my back. So, when I reach back for it, it is in between my neck and left shoulder because I am right-handed. It was there to be dramatically pulled out, where and whence it needed to, if the opportunity were to present itself.
As I was watching the crowd, making sure everyone nobody got out of line… even though I knew nobody would because word got around what this guy did, and no one felt sorry for him. So, I would probably not have to work too hard today.
When the executioner walked out, with his black stitched mask and his long-handed battle axe, the king followed him out shortly after, in his best attire. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! We are here today to see this thief here, off to the Gods for where he will be judged for his crimes. So, without further ado… bring him out!" the king announced, as everyone yelled and scolded him for his treasonous actions against the kingdom and the Gods, as well as himself. As he got on the stage, he kneeled onto the chopping block. The king said, "Now, let this be a lesson to all of you fine people, you don't mess with the kingdom, because it will not be tolerated! Any last words?" he asked the man.
"No, your grace… all I can say is that I am sorry, and may the Gods have mercy on me." he said, with angst in his voice.
"May the Gods bless this young man and have mercy on his soul!" the priest said, as he put his palms on the man's head, telling him to go in peace before he met his fate.
The executioner lifted his battle axe above his head, slowly and with one swing he decapitated the young man. (Such a waste of a life.) I thought to myself, as I walked towards the inn to grab a pint, before heading back to the dining hall to entertain the king if he needed me too.
As the crowd dispersed, I made my way over to the inn. I walked across the bar as everyone in there looked frightful of me. (Good, that's how I fucking like it, fear me bastards.) I thought to myself, as I sat down on my stool. "Two pints." I told the bar maiden, as she filled up two mugs of cold honey ale. I guzzled both down quickly and kept ordering one after another. As I was feeling more like the drunken bastard fool that I was, I thought about all of those bad times and lonely nights along with the rageful fights… I hated myself for thinking this way, I started to see red again. When suddenly, a lady in shiny armor walked up and grabbed my arm.
"Can I buy you another round, ser Alex?" she asked, as I was blinded by her beauty.
"Sure, why not." I told her, pretending I didn't give a shit, but I was a little enthused and appreciated the gesture.
The maiden filled us up, as we knocked them back. The bard was singing a smooth tune in the background. "You know, that act of courage you showed last week, has a lot of people talking around the city." She told me.
"Oh yeah? What do they say?" I asked her.
"You buy the next round, and I will tell you, deal?" she asked, as she winked at me.
"Deal… Another round!" I confirmed, while signaling the lovely bar maiden.
"They say that you are the hero to save this corrupt city of ours. The people of Greengrass respect you and have hope now, because you have given it to them, Alex!" She said, as I felt her seductive words tremble through my body, luring me in.
I couldn't accept this… so, I told her, "I am no fucking hero. I am just the kings fool and nothing more."
She put her hand on top of mine and said with confidence, "You are wrong, but I know you know that, Alex." As I stared into the mug, wondering.
"By the way… the name is Celest. I will see you around, Alex." She said, as she winked at me and left.
"Yeah, alright." I murmured, as I stared into the bottomless pit of despair.