73 Punishments (1/2)
Humble braziers attached to one side of each of the six alabaster columns light up the lower levels of the throne hall and cover the hall in warm oranges and dancing shadows. The countless gems on the layered ceiling dance in the flickering light while gargoyles and sculptures look down upon the wooden floor of this majestic hall.
A ruby rug splits the entire room in half from the doors to the throne while rectangular banners with burnished trimmings cover parts of the walls. Between each banner sits a shrine-like ornament covered in candles, all but a few have been lit and in turn illuminate the paintings of war heroes below them.
Extensive, stained glass windows of intricate mosaics are enclosed by curtains colored the same ruby as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with fancy tassels and gold leaves.
An elegant throne of porcelain sits beneath an almost entirely close baldachin (canopy) and is adjoined by two equally impressive seats for those closest to the royal highness.
The throne is covered in byzantine designs and fixed on each of the slim ears is an elegant trident. The broad pillows are a light ruby and these too have been adorned with ornate fringes.
Those seeking the wisdom of their royal highness can do so on the plethora of opulent, albeit uncomfortable alder benches, all of which are lined up perfectly symmetrical. Those of higher standing can instead take a seat in the extravagant balconies facing the throne.
On the throne Gael who was now wearing King Hedor's face sitting on it and facing the few ministers.
”Your Highness we are doing everything we can do to find the culprits who attempted this assassination ” A tall clean-shaven man in full plate armor said while kneeling before Gael.
Seeing the man Gael couldn't help but notice a tinge of hatred towards him from the man.
”You should have prevented the attempt in the first place General Hozai” suddenly a plump fat man stood up from his seat and yelled at the man.
However, the General didn't answer the fat man but looked at Gael
”Your Highness please let us know your schedule like before so we can do our duty and protect you” Hearing General, Gael made sure that the original King Hedor had indeed become more secretive after some sort of incident like Joel said.
”You know you are right General Hoka” (clearing his throat) ”General Hozai” Gael said as he tried his best to mimic KIng Hedor's voice.
”Your Highness are you alright? You sound different Shall I call the healers?” Gael wanted to strangle the fat man when he found out the difference in voice.
”Its nothing but a side effect of that spell I used before” Just like Don said Gael called out the guards and told them a story of Leo with some people attempted assassination on his life which he heroically survived by using a powerful fire spell on the attackers.
”But General Hozai, why do I have soldiers when I the king has to defend himself?” General Hozai had a bad feeling when he heard the king.
”I need to punish those who couldn't do their duty right ?” as Gael said he looked at the fat minister because he knew the fatty would back him up just by noticing his eagerness to please the King.
”Yes your highness they must be punished” the fatty said with an ear to ear grin.
”How about cutting the salary of the soldiers by half? That should teach them a lesson”
General Hozai knew about the cruel nature of this gentle-looking man on the throne so he expected something bad still he never imagined the salary cut by half but before he could say anything the King continued
”Also let them starve in nights and mornings for the next three months, minister you should make sure they don't eat anything not even a rise grain”
First Salary cut and now taking the soldier's meals away, General Hozai got pretty furious but he knew he couldn't do anything.
The ministers sitting before Gael looked at him with a slightly opened mouth. They knew from King's previous actions he is a cruel person but they also knew he treated his army well because of his lust for expanding the kingdom but now they have heard him punishing the soldiers to this extent.
”Yes Yes your highness I will make sure that none of them get any food not even a scrap” even the fatty minister was shocked but he quickly regained his senses and said.
”Your Highness if you do this the morale and the strength of our army will hit rock bottom” General Hozai said.
”I don't care they made a mistake so they need to be punished this is my word and my word is the order” Gael's voice echoed through the hall as General Hozai realized there is nothing he can do now.
”That's it for today ” as he said Gael started to walk towards his chamber to call it a day.
”My lord I did as you told”
After having a delicious dinner Gael reported everything that happened today to Don through the Khal.
”Now proceed to the next phase good luck” Gael heard Knight's voice in his head.
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(Day 2 as King Hedor)