Perhaps that is why I am here. To ensure you don't die before you see exactly what your ignorance has cost," Asarmose said, sitting with a terrifying, still grace in front of Alistair.
"My ignorance?" Alistair's voice was low, sharp enough to cut the heavy air of the cottage.
"My 'ignorance, as you call it, is what kept me alive in that palace filled with greedy men ready to slay a child for their gain!" He stood abruptly, his voice rising, echoing off the stone walls. "My ignorance is what made me crawl from the pit of hell to stand as the King before you! My ignorance is what is keeping this kingdom from falling into absolute ruin!"
"No," Asarmose interrupted, his voice a cool blade that sliced right through Alistair's volume before he could continue. "This kingdom is already hollow, Alistair. It is a shell held together by the fear of the people you refuse to look at."
