Books by Ian Rogers
Books by Ian Rogers
By Ian Rogers
There was a sharp intake of breath from the onlookers. The King looked intently at his old friend, pleased he had been found but saddened to see the depths to which he had sunk. He left his throne and descended to the foot of the steps. He gave Hal a big hug and kissed him on both cheeks.
“Well done, Hal,” he said warmly. “Welcome home.” Then he turned to the Alcaldé. In a far more severe tone he asked:
“Well, John, what have you got to say for yourself?”
“I’m sorry, your majesty,” came the muffled reply from the crouched figure. The King waited, but the Alcaldé stayed silent, cowering on the floor.
“Get up!” ordered the King “Talk to me.”
No one could refuse a direct command from the King. John, clearly with some effort, rose to a kneeling position and glanced up at the King before looking quickly down again. Water, seeping from his clothes, stained the edge of the King’s crimson robe. John spoke in a muted, broken voice.
“Sire, I am a useless, worn-out dreg. I was a cheat and a swindler, and I betrayed your trust in me. I cannot do anything to put things right and I deserve to be punished. I am not fit to grace the halls of decent men. Do with me as you will.” He bowed his head onto his chest.
The King was deeply moved. He placed a hand on John’s shoulder, guessing something of his old friend’s feelings. He knew that pride had turned to shame, success to dust and ashes. It would be hard for anyone in such disgrace to face the world, but the King was pleased that John seemed really sorry. There was a dungeon for those whose wickedness was incurable, whose shame led to spite and whose spite led to hate. The King disliked using it, but for some the only thing to do was lock them up. John had taken his first step away from such a fate.
“Come,” said the King. “Stand up and be a man. You can be restored to decency, honesty and usefulness. In time you may yet be of benefit to the kingdom.” Again John could not refuse the King’s direct command. He stood, his face tormented, racked by doubts.
“My Lord King,” he mumbled, “I caused misery and damage in Parcival that is beyond me to put right. I am not worthy to stand before any man, not even the least peasant back home.”
<< Previous Chapters Next >>