The gallows had been prepared for what was to come that day, it had been many years since it had been used. The king was efficient at ensuring his people had what they needed to live a comfortable life. And because of that, crime was quite manageable. There would be petty thievery but the knights were well-equipped to handle such matters. The gallows were really only for serious crimes. A life for a life. Traitors would get no trial. Even ones as well-known and important as Sir David. He had been the king's lieutenant. His second-in-command.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQLVhJlj6h
Not only was he a dear friend to the king but he was also loved by the people he protected. He had cared for them and went out of his way to ensure they were happy and had everything they required. But it seems all of that was a cruel ploy. And for what? To what end would it have served?
These were the questions King John asked himself while alone in his study. He argued with himself if sentencing David to death was indeed the right course of action
Evander, Alrid and the king met in his study to share thoughts on the fate of the king's lieutenant. "Is this the right thing to do?" The king addressed his Hunter and Alrid. "What if we're wrong? What if we are killing an innocent man? He could have been driven to madness by the abyss and if we kill him then there is no way of knowing if what he did was of his own doing. He would be written down in history as a traitor to the kingdom. I have known that man for a very long time and he does not have the heart of a traitor."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh3D5Nw53Z
Evander leaned back in his seat and thought on the king's words for a moment. "That is a risk we will have to take." The king met Evander's gaze at those words. He knew he was right, as much as he didn't want to admit it to himself. "What does your heart tell you? Do you honestly believe he is gone?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWSTciiAB7
The king sighed deeply in his chair, "Sadly, relying on how I feel about David's treachery is not a luxury I can afford. He has killed many of our people and caused even more suffering to those left behind to clean up the mess. His lies have uprooted our very way of life and as such could easily have cost us this war before it has even truly begun."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVZoAz0U98
The king sat back with his elbows on the armrests and his fingers interlaced together against his chin. "Even if he was not under the control and this was of his own making, as King, I could not allow such treachery to be left unpunished. If I were to let him walk then it would only encourage others to rebel and we do not need any more of that." He sighed again angrily, "I have made up my mind. David shall meet the rope. Tonight."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmUcGsquVD
"As unfair as this situation is," Evander started, "I agree with your decision. This is not something I would wish on my worst enemy." Evander felt for the king, for his friend. This was not a simple choice to make. The circumstances were difficult to navigate. Executing a brother of over two decades even if that brotherhood had been false.
David sat in his cell in silence, waiting. What for, he did not know. He knew the king would not execute him even if he had caused an attack on his people. He would likely just keep David locked up until the war was over. Either way, David feared neither the king nor the rope. He was a weak old man after all.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Af5u3uPZW
David could hear the voice of Varamont wriggle into his head, You have done well, David. The king believes you to be false. Tonight you will die and your task will be complete. You shall be rewarded for your efforts. Prepare yourself for your departure, for it shall be soon.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJwMUGj9KQ
Did he say 'die?' Sir David, the real one trapped within, yelled in his head. The king would never kill me! Doesn't he know I'm still in here? David's trapped soul was screaming to break from the abyss it had been encased within. The abyss had not killed the real Sir David as it needed the host soul to remain in order to thrive.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvRdTRmBCo
Silence! the abyssal David within screamed at the trapped soul of Sir David. The soul had been trying desperately to overcome Varamont's magic but it had proved to be far more powerful. It was the soul of Sir David against the abyss that controlled his words and actions as well as Varamont himself. He just hoped the king would see that his brother was still underneath the surface before the end.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtZwVsgEXB
Sir David's soul was shoved back under again just as the door to the dungeon opened and Sir Richard stepped through. He was a tall and burly man, his armor was heavy and scarred all over. His hair was a light blonde and possessed a soft wave about it.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOMqsMOG4B
He stepped past the hounds which had lunged at their cell door on his way to the cell which held David. He folded his arms in front of his chest and smiled a pleased grin, "How is your cage, Sir David?" he mocked.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq2PLZonOb
"I have been in worse. Perhaps you should think about making it less comfortable considering the kinds of folk you lock in here," David casually replied.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSvOiRrXwY
"Oh, your comfort will come to an end very soon. Tonight, in fact, you go to the gallows." Sir Richard leaned forward in an attempt to scare the caged knight.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvrgv5Lcgv
David, however, was unfazed by this, he simply nodded in agreement, "And I look forward to it."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgUHIjtbq0
Sir Richard's smile faded briskly, upset by the fact that David received it as if he was just told supper would be ready soon.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuctQmSd5nU
David Chuckled, "You seem surprised."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kIPdzKFef
Sir Richard had a change of character then, "You wish to die?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV0fomlbBq
"Oh no, no, Richard. You misunderstand. One does not wish for an event that is guaranteed to happen. One looks forward to such an event and that is precisely what I said." He grinned a look of malice. 91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwwGaawIZW
"You really have lost it, David and I cannot wait to see you hang tonight. Make peace with your god or whatever it is that you fear, I care not," Sir Richard left before David could get a word of retort in.
The hour of execution drew near and it was time to gather those that wished to be present for the event. The gallows were constructed in the north end of the castle grounds intentionally sat furthest away from the homes and marketplace.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaYEAlXJgM
The King's Guard held the announcement of the execution of the traitor Sir David while the king and Evander went to fetch the man himself. David would not be hanged alone, however. The two old men that had attempted Alrid's life would also face execution. 91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsUoFNUgJf
The king and his Hunter stood before David in his cell. Sir Richard and Sir Derrick waited at the cells of the two old men. King John regarded his fallen knight coldly, "It is time."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6XfkYEBms
David stood and dusted his pants off, "Finally. It seems you had it in you after all to kill your own, old man. To be quite honest, I didn't think you had it in you. You're always talking big about how you're the king but yet you fear to do the deeds required. You have proven me wrong today. Let's get on with this," David mocked him.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPPaJ3jCVO
The king replied coldly again, "You are not my own and by your own words, you apparently never were."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6bWMW29Ej
David snapped his fingers loudly then, "Precisely. Now you've got it. Come on John, enough drawing this out. I haven't got all day."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOymCOIIBNA
"No," the king shot back. "You really don't. You have about an hour. Maybe less, I'd say." he unlocked the cell door and Evander quickly stepped in to bind David's hands behind him. The king and David kept their eyes fixed on each other. David's filled with a hate like none other and the king's held with cold and blank emotion.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyjHjBEtzv
David held a smirk all the while he was bound. Evander was rough with the bindings and when he finished he ushered him out of the cell. The king grabbed David by the bicep and pulled him forward aggressively. "Oh, my king," David jested. "Court me first why don't you. I am a lady after all." He chuckled at his banter. The chuckle almost formed into a maniacal laughter. 91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwRwzyyKuC
Sir Richard and Sir Derrick had bound their prisoners and were ready to set off. "To the gallows," the king said plainly.
The townsfolk that attended were gathered by the gallows. Four nooses hung on the horizontal wooden beam, as if beckoning forward the ones who were to die.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBbSKcg6zp
The audience was divided down the middle by a dirt path that led out from the northern exit of the keep. The pathway ran up to a set of wooden stairs set to the left side of the platform. A lever to drop the trapdoors below the nooses sat on the opposite end.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM7RdHn6sH
The northern doors of the keep were opened outward by Sir Derrick and Sir Richard. David was in front with King John and Evander directly behind him. Following behind were the two old men, hands bound in front of them. Sir Richard and Sir Derrick moved from the doors to stand behind the old men as the group walked slowly on.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFW1oWYXBI
David winced away from the dying winter sun as it pierced his sensitive eyes. After a few moments he regained his sight to take in the people that he had betrayed. Their burning gazes bore into his traitorous soul. David made no attempt to look remorseful, though. Instead he smiled and lifted both arms to wave at them, acting as if he were a famous hero about to be given some grand title.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxd0vjTysw
The king regarded his behavior with words of anger, "You boast your deeds like some grand savior. You will realize before the end what you have become."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGs3f0e1c4
David scoffed, "I wouldn't hold your breath, old man. You are a fool who bears a crown of dust. Your crown does not make you king. You are the king of nothing."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOYJEDj3ku
His words did not phase the king now, only solidified his decision of David's fate. "Even in the face of death your final moments are spent wagging that forked tongue of yours."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GuPq8QvhZ
"From the looks of it, John, it may very well be the last time I get to," David retorted over his shoulder.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT3RIj9ykl
The crowd looked on as the prisoners approached the steps. Some held looks of approval while others watched on in disbelief and horror. Murmurs swept the crowd like a calm breeze on the sea.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPIOnmemic
David reached the gallows' steps and ascended them as if he were a child happily entering his home for supper. Care-free and liberated. He had happily accepted his fate for what he believed what he had done was right. Everyone else present would not agree with him.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxdrzvCYmT
The king, Evander and the two knights escorted David and the two old men each to a noose and stood behind it. Once behind, their respective nooses were slid slowly over their heads and tightened snuggly against their throats by the knights.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4kgNioPJo
David snickered as he tried to hold in his laughter. Failing to do so he spoke through it, "It seems I wont be going anywhere now." He smiled wryly at a joke that had yet to be said, "I'm a bit tied up at the moment." He laughed heartily at his own joke. He was the only one laughing.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohdFJzBAaw
The crowd grew angry at his lack of humanity. He had caused the deaths of so many and he had the nerve to laugh in their faces. King John approached his rightfully angry people and with gentle hands raised, he bellowed. "Please, my good people, settle. He will have his dues paid," the crowd quieted to an even calm. "The men who stand before you today are accused of treachery of the highest degree. To all of us. David is the reason for the deaths of your loved ones. He will pay his dues with his blood. The two older gentlemen standing here today made an attempt on Alrid Drayton. To those who don't know, he is the son of my Hunter. They will also pay with their lives." He swept his gaze over the crowd, content with their responses of silent nods and yelps of agreement.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuT4PfwSfH
He turned quickly to gaze into the eyes of a very excited David, "Why don't we get on with my payment then, eh? Or do you not have the stones to do it yourself? How's about you get one of your little lap dogs to do it for you?" A mocking smile cracked his face and his eyes challenged the king. 91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiw4OlEl7h
Sir Richard and Sir Derrick stood behind all of the accused while Evander had taken to the front and by the stairs. King John purposefully walked over to the lever that held the lives of the men within its ropes. David watched the king's every move in child-like anticipation.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7QvDbbLyU
The king stood by the lever and faced the men. More specifically, he traded glares with David. His brother. His friend. His enemy. David lifted both eyebrows quickly as if to say, Do it. 91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPaLs6ogn8
The king grasped firmly on the lever and with one final look at the eyes of David, he pulled it. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the abyss was ripped from David and the knight's eyes had returned to their original bright blue color. The soul of Sir David had been released back home. But it was much too late.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAq6RHMhHZ
As he slowly fell, those eyes portrayed a look of intense and very real fear. The eyes of his brother, his dear friend, had been given back to Sir David. And they were about to be taken away again.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRH9BxheKW
Those innocent eyes pierced the very soul of King John as he quickly realized that Sir David had been alive this entire time. The evils of the abyss had hidden it away and driven the king to execute his brother in arms.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wX8g3XGmU
A realization that was all too real and all too late. The rope snapped taught as Sir David's body went limp. His neck violently broke under his own weight. His lifeless body swung gently as the king lost his mind completely. His eyes were wide with a flood of regret and an indescribable sense of despair. He didn't move, he just stood there frozen.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVabntRfvG
Through the slow reality of time, the crowd cheered loudly at the death of the traitors. The king's mind did its best to drown it out but it could still be heard through the haze, albeit muffled. 91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Mg5dJ8Ox
Evander noticed the king's reaction and rushed over to him, "John, are you alright? What happened? What did you see?" His words fell on deaf ears. Formality be damned, the crowd couldn't hear him anyway over their justified yells and chants.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBETWXwRGJ2
The king remained silent as he stared painfully at the hanging body of his brother. The man who had saved his life countless times was now hanging lifelessly and gone from the world. Gone from the king.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXllyZZNLl
"Cut them down," the king murmured to Evander without prying his eyes away from Sir David.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxm1MyIo7X
Evander nodded to the king once and moved to the knights who already knew what to do. The crowd continued to cheer on as the king tried desperately to bring his mind back together.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFrgneecCR
He blinked finally after his eyes had gone dry. Coming to his senses, the king addressed the crowd once more. They quieted when he began to speak, "The traitors are dead. May we finally have peace from their treachery."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmMaPazmK3
The crowd roared up again in celebration and justice served. All except one. A figure perched atop a tower, glaring down at them. The peasants, those weak and feeble-minded humans. He muttered to himself gruffly, "When you are all dead, then you will have peace." His dark hood draped his face in shadow against the dying winter sun. 91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4d5lVl3yt
