The Scarlet King by Charles Kaluza Read Free Book Online Page B

the
long-winded tirades of his cousin, became tired of listening. The
monologue finally ended. To add insult to injury, his cousin
recited the cleansing chant at its completion, implying that the
envoy was now a member of the unclean.
    Another of the advisers told the envoy to
present himself to the Scarlet King and explain or accept the
charges. The envoy bowed low to his King and replied, "I accept the
charge of failing to conquer the source of the Sacred Water. I do
not accept the charge of allowing the release of the prisoners from
the Forest. They were not under the command of the military and
therefore not under my jurisdiction. It also appears their escape
has fulfilled my King's request to make the visions stop."
    His cousin began another tirade about how the
prisoners could not possibly have escaped without the assistance of
the envoy. This lengthy monologue again went on for some time. The
envoy responded, "I would beg a chance to speak of another matter
far more important than these charges against me."
    The King turned to the one advisor whom the
envoy trusted and whispered something. This advisor then said, "Our
Scarlet King would hear of this matter."
    The other advisers complained that the matter
before the tribunal was treason and the tribunal could not be
interrupted. With a wave of his hand the King dismissed their
concerns and the envoy was allowed to speak. He looked straight at
his King as he said, "I received a report this morning that one of
the black ships was spotted off of our coast."
    This changed the nature of the tribunal
instantly. Many questions were asked of the envoy, who had few
answers other than the solitary ship had been spotted and
identified. His cousin finally raised enough of a ruckus to regain
the ear of the King. He said, "He is obviously lying trying to
prevent his rightful judgment. I move that his judgment be
pronounced and the sentencing commence. If his report is true we
will deal with the future as it comes."
    The advisor whom the envoy trusted asked, "If
the report is true, who will take charge of our defense?"
    The envoy's cousin stood and fluffed himself
up, making him appear even more a pet bird, and said, "I will lead
the defense of our country and King."
    The envoy at this time forced the decision by
saying, "My cousin, who knows not which end of the sword to hold,
would defend our King and country?"
    Even the advisers associated with his cousin
had trouble controlling their smiles, but for the one those of the
Forest referred to as the Pet Bird the statement was devastating.
He was thrown into an almost violent monologue, and his shouting
continued until even the King tired of hearing him. He arose and
said, "Enough. I would hear the judgment of my advisers."
    The advisers all stood and turned towards
their King. They all wore small ceremonial swords made of the
finest metals. Their decision was announced by showing their sword
if death was warranted or allowing them to remain sheathed if they
thought the subject was innocent. In unison they bowed before their
King, and with great ceremony turned towards the envoy with their
hands on the hilts of their swords. By rank his cousin came first;
he vigorously removed his sword and thrust it towards the envoy. He
was followed by his closely associated advisor who acted similarly.
The one advisor the envoy trusted left his hand on the sword which
remained in the sheath. The final advisor removed his sword with
much trembling and could not look at the envoy.
    The four advisers stood as such until the
King arose and said, "Judgment has been passed in this ancient Hall
of Justice. I agree not with the judgment and will not allow the
sentence to occur in this Hall. Your sentence will need to be
carried out in the city square."
    The Pet Bird paled only a little with the
reprimand of his King, and said, "As my King wishes." With a nod
from his head the guards surrounding the envoy placed him in
shackles and began escorting him from