The Duke had turned into ashes. He disappeared. Into dust. Yet, no one protested. Not because they wanted to, but in the face of such overwhelming power, they could not.
The trepidation in their hearts grew.
"They will do my bidding, not because of my overwhelming power but because when the time comes, when the moment is here I will not rot away like you Father. I will..."
The words almost disappeared into whispers, yet they did not vanish. They resonated within the souls of those present. No man, no, not even the gods, of they exist, can have an easy time saying the words that come. No one! Yet, this man, fraught from death and till death he would do it.
He stood up slowly, as if mustering the courage to do the final deed. To utter the words that are the only hope for his country, his land, his Kingdom! The long purple robe gracefully slithered down, the scepter stood straight in his hand, his beard long with freckles of white mixed in, dark overflowing hair with a glistening golden crown on top. Once he stood, he roared, as if to proclaim his fate, reassure his people and to ofcourse, finish his duty.
"I will sacrifice my very soul, the most sacred into the shackles of fate, to forever and never return to peace. I, personally shall bear unending pain to protect my people!"
Bang!
The heavy scepter bounced off the marble floor, cracking it.
Bang!
The men without hesitation balled their fists and lowered their heads. All in one motion.
Bang!
"All Hail the King!"
Bang!
"The King does not live!"
Bang!
"The King who never dies!"
Bang!
"The One who bears our sins!"
Bang!
"We live for you! We die for you! Your wish binds us!"
Bang!
"Your Wish binds us!"
Bang!
"Duty untill Death."