Upon the Emperor's Lap

(#07) Home for the Next One Month

I was escorted to the penitentiary by two guards. And by how they were grumbling about, it seemed like they had better things to do.

And only later I came to know that it was a national event that day, Day of Liberty or something. Practically, it was the day the current emperor came into ruling.

And on this day, all the guards and soldiers had a free meal and a completely free day.

When I heard I was to be taken to the 'penitentiary', I had all the worst images in my head.

Heck! I even thought it would be some kind of underwater jail-dom, covered in chains and such.

But when I stood before it, it was, compared to my thoughts, heaven.

It was on the land, as in on the land, so not underwater, no underground. It was in black alright.

It was placed on a high elevation, so the wind constantly kept on blowing.

In the interior, each cell had windows, which were barred and placed very high.

As much as the environment was concerned, it was a quiet beautiful place. Not a place where a penitentiary should be built.

But of course, when only the environment was concerned.

The people inside were... let's look for a nice word... crazy and insane, which is a total turn-off considering the environment.

"This..." I was out of words.

"I know. This is not something a jail looks like. Actually, the King asked to be designed in this manner, so we will be able to think properly, clear our minds, and repent.

Of course, repenting won't get you off the guillotine, but of course, it has its merits." The head at the penitentiary said.

"Yeah. It does a good job. I mean looking at the bright side, the cell is going to be filled with warm sunlight and I can go sleep by gazing at the moon." I said.

It was quiet.

So I turned to face him.

He was having a very confused look on his face.

I then raised my eyebrow at him.

"Ah, yeah, nothing. You were telling... Yes, yes. That's a pretty positive way of thinking." He said.

"But I must tell, the people in here don't exactly seem harmless," I said.

"Yeah, they are working on it, you see." He said and I nodded.

"And what about the other matters?" I asked.

"Well you see, we generally don't have female criminals, so we had decided that we would think on it once the situation arrives. And your bathing time is in the evening, will tell you the exact timings later." He said.

"Alright," I said.

"Anything more?" He asked.

"Um... is there a farm, any place near?" I asked.

"Uh... Sorry?!"

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"Yeah, here we are. The farm is very next to the penitentiary, but it's all the way down, so we have to carry it all the way up too. I think I need to call some more soldiers." He said.

"Don't. I have already gathered up enough hate, for today. If I call other guards, I am afraid I might not be able to handle their curse." I said, smiling.

"So, you know." He said.

"Yes. And you can help me right?" I asked.

"Yes. So can you please tell me why we are collecting the haystacks again, please?" He asked.

"Oh please, that penitentiary is filled with men, what if I need to do something private. It's fine for men with men, but I am a woman." I said.

"So, you want to cover a part of your cell with these haystacks." He said and I nodded.

"Alright." He said and I took three haystacks with me and the Jail-head took four.

"Sir! What are you doing? The festivals are almost starting." A soldier came running to us and told us.

"Ah, I am helping this lady with some matters. I will be there soon." He said.

"Uh... Alright. Or you know what. I will help you too." He said and took four haystacks on his own.

"Thanks for your help, lad," I said.

"Yeah, whatever." He said and walked ahead.

We carried it all the way to my cell. I then placed it in three rows, each adjacent to one another.

"Wait, so we were helping a criminal?" The young soldier asked.

"Yup, a criminal who is going to face guillotine within a month," I said, smiling.

"Oh... Alright. And one more thing. That you can bring back after your festivities." I said.

"What?" He asked.

"Some papyrus, quill and ink." I said.

"Uh... why?" He asked.

"I have traveled a lot, and experienced a lot, and have seen a lot. If these all things get taken to the grave with me, it will be a shame to mankind. So, I need to write it all down."

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Last Updated on 19/06/2021