CHAPTER 004
1160 Words
“Adam did not kill the priest.”
The soldiers and Adam stopped as Princess Hilda’s voice cut through the chamber, not loud, but certain. It forced the court to look at her instead of the man in cuffs.
Emperor Snotlehon sat unmoving. His fingers rested on the armrest, relaxed, almost bored. “The priest was last seen with Adam.”
“That is coincidence, not guilt,” Hilda replied. “You taught me the difference.”
Snotlehon’s eyes finally shifted to her. “I taught you obedience.”
Hilda took a breath. “Adam saved this city. He faced the Cyclops when your generals hesitated. He has no reason to…”
“If you are in love with that boy,” the emperor said, eyeing Adam, “kill the idea now.”
Hilda stiffened. “I am speaking for justice.”
She searched his face for hesitation and found none.
“Leave my presence,” Snotlehon added.
But for a moment, she didn’t move. Then she bowed, too shallow to be submission, too deep to be defiance, and turned away. As she passed Adam, her hand trembled but he did not reach for it. He stood still, eyes forward, absorbing the moment like a wound he would carry later.
A man dressed in mourning black stepped out from the elite.
“My name is Henry,” he said. “I am the priest’s brother.”
Snotlehon waved lazily. “Speak quickly.”
“My brother died of natural causes,” Henry said. “He was so drunk he fell into a pit and broke his neck. Adam is innocent.”
Adam smiled. The hall shifted as whispers rose and fell.
Friday the goblin, seated far too comfortably among generals and elites, paused mid-meal. “Natural?” he muttered. “Huh.”
Snotlehon’s lips curved faintly. “And you expect me to believe that?”
“I expect you to verify it,” Adam replied. “Consult your doctors, examine the body.”
The emperor stood without looking at Adam, he had stolen the hearts of his people. They now defended him like a precious child.
“Release him,” Snotlehon said at last.
The handcuff loosened and flickered across faces.
Then the emperor added, “I don't like this boy, but he should remember who gives the rules around here.”
Snotlehon wouldn't allow Adam go just like that, he would be satisfied punishing him.
“Strip his arm.” He commanded.
“What!?” Adam was surprised.
Soldiers moved in and his iron left arm was unfastened piece by piece; bolts turned, clasps released and metal scraped against metal. When it came free, Adam was boiling.
“You will crawl,” Snotlehon said, rising slightly from his chair. “Through the main street. Twice.”
“What?... I'm not doing that!”
“Yes you are, that's an ORDER!”
Adam bit his lips. This was more than punishment, it was humiliation.
A placard was shoved into his right hand, and it read:
HAIL THE EMPEROR
This city is crazy… Adam stared at the words.
Soon, the city gathered quickly. Of course, curiosity traveled faster than mercy.
As he kneeled, stone bit into his knees and dust filled his lungs. He crawled once, then again. Shame wore him a garment.
Some citizens turned away in pity while others watched silently. Princess Hilda stood at the edge of the crowd, eyes shining with pity.
On the second crawl, a voice rang out among the crowd.
“Well. This is disappointing.”
Heads turned towards the voice. It was Prince Eric and the crowd parted as he stepped forward. At his side was Soso, her laughter soft and cruel as her eyes swept over Adam.
“Look at him,” She laughed openly now. “This is the man you once spoke of so proudly.”
“You dare enter my city?” Snotlehon trembled.
Eric shrugged. “Your gates were open. Your attention… elsewhere.”
“My men are already stationed throughout your city,” Eric added pleasantly. “Any misstep from you, this city burns.”
Snotlehon’s voice sharpened. “You stand in my city and threaten it. I should have you executed…”
Snotlehon’s pride swelled, urging him forward. His fingers twitched toward his gun.
“Wait.” Adam pushed himself upright slowly. His knees were bruised. “Let me speak to him, before you doom this city”
Snotlehon turned. “You?”
“Before blood spills,” Adam said.
There was a long pause; Prince Eric was already caressing his magic sword.
Adam stepped forward to prince Eric with a bruised ego,
“What do you want?” Adam asked.
“Everything.”
“That answer would costs lives,” Adam said. “Yours included.”
Eric tilted his head. “You think this city can stop me?”
“I think you wouldn’t be standing here if you were sure.”
Silence hung like a blanket between them.
Soso stepped closer to Eric, chin lifted. “You speak boldly for a man who crawled.”
Adam ignored the hell out of her.
Eric’s eyes gleamed greedily. “Then offer something worth my restraint.”
“Leave peacefully.”
“I will, but for a price.”
“Name it.”
“Water.”
Snotlehon laughed; his elites joined.
“You won’t get it,” Adam replied.
“That water,” Eric whispered, “could save your sister.”
Adam paused, Eric was a con man, slippery as an eel. He couldn't trust him, but… Damn! … He eyed Emperor Snotlehon, then whispered quietly to Prince Eric.
“A reservoir near the eastern quarters, brought by a goblin. Take it quietly and leave tonight.”
Eric’s grin turned feral. “Deal.”
Soso looked Adam over slowly. “You were always beneath me.”
Adam turned away and faced Snotlehon.
“A truce has been reached. Prince Eric will leave by morning.”
The emperor hesitated, he neither liked Adam nor trusted him enough to handle diplomacy. Who tha’hell did he think he was?
“What is the deal?” Snotlehon asked just to be sure.
“He needs a place to rest his head and continue on his way.” Adam lied.
Snotlehon paused, then relaxed his grip on the gun. “So be it.”
The crowd erupted, not in laughter, but awe and admiration.
“He stopped a war.”
“He humbled a prince.”
“The God of War reborn.”
Each word carved deeper jealousy and envy into Snotlehon’s chest. Adam was slowly winning the people's heart.
He leaned toward his commander and whispered, voice cold as iron, “Kill that prince at midnight.”
The commander hesitated. “And the boy?”
Snotlehon’s eyes flicked toward Adam. “Later.”
“And do not fail me again.”
The commander noded; and soon dinner began in the courtyard.
- Writer
