Books by Ian Rogers
Books by Ian Rogers
By Ian Rogers
“I know,” said the King. “Sometimes we do things that we can’t undo and we regret them forever afterwards but we must not let ourselves be paralysed forever by guilt and fear. Before he found you, Hal went to Parcival. He has put right what you did wrong. The bridge has been built and the community has been restored - except for a few rotten apples who ran away as you did. Cheer up! Your debt has been paid. Parcival will prosper again because Hal stood in for you. If I won’t punish you, why punish yourself? You condemned yourself to exile and hard labour! Don’t hide away again and waste your life. Use it! Restoration is being freely offered!”
“I had no idea that Hal had done all that. Surely he has laboured hard and faced many trials!” said the Alcaldé. He turned to the Prince. “Thank you,” he said. “You were a friend to me before I ever met you. You were my rescuer when I did meet you and my passport to the King’s presence. I never thought I would stand here again. I cannot thank you enough.” He turned back to the King and said, humbly:
“Whatever service I can do for the kingdom, I shall do my best to accomplish it faithfully and honestly from now on.”
Silently, to hide his deep feelings, the King mounted the steps to his throne and sat down, chin on his chest, deep in thought for a few moments. The Queen reached out and squeezed his hand. The silence stretched out as all present awaited the King’s verdict. Finally he straightened and faced the mass of courtiers in the hall.
“Let it be known,” he announced in a firm, loud voice, “that John Weaverson has re-entered my service. I command that he dwell here for the time being, free to come and go, until I decree such tasks as I wish him to undertake. Council is now adjourned until the second hour tomorrow.” He turned back to John and Hal.
“Now,” he said quietly, “you two had better go and get hot baths, dry clothes and a good meal; but there’s one more thing to do first. Come with me.” He led them away to the right, behind some tapestries that hung on the wall and through a small door. Beyond was a small, bare, very private room. Against one wall there was a table on which was a clean, white cloth. In the centre stood a wooden cross with a candle on either side.
“This is where I come to say ‘sorry’ and to ask forgiveness,” the King told the Alcaldé. “The King of all Kings and Lord of Lords had a son who died to put things right for me. As he leads, so I try and follow. Hal and I are but his agents. We can all thank God for forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ. Hal and I will say ‘thank you’ for your safe return, John. You say what you will.” They knelt side by side before the cross in silent prayer.
After a little while the King, and then Hal and John, stood up. Beyond the curtain in the Great Hall they could hear voices approaching.
“You two had better get into those hot baths quickly,” the King said. “The Queen is coming and I’ll be in trouble if you both catch colds!”
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