A Collection of Short Stories

The Roundtable

    A round table of monarchs gather to attend a conference occurring once every decade or so. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss current politics, wars, and economic growth. Each monarch has his or her own goals in mind.

    "Now, we shall start with King Hengles of Henglesland." the host of the conference begins, "Please, the time is yours."

    "Thank you sir," the king replies, "I now mention the issue of war between my nation and that of Queen Galla's."

    The aforementioned Queen Galla erects from her seat and drops her fists onto the table.
    "I'm sorry to break ritual," she speaks firmly, "But 'tis obvious that this here 'king' wants to place the blame of our current affairs on my failure to control my citizens' behaviour."

    "Yes, indeed," King Hengles chuckles before returning to a serious expression, "One such citizen of yours assassinated my only heir to the throne, Prince Joffery."

    "AND IT WAS THE ONLY CONCEIVABLE REACTION FOR THE CAPTURE OF OUR TRADE ROUTES!" Queen Galla furiously yells.

    "Calm, please," the host says.

    "Of course, our army was not aware that the territory was part of Gallenian land," King Hengles rebutts, "Was it not only a fortnight ere that you seized said land from the Yupalian empire?"

    "And was it not by sundown that same day you were notified by a servant of mine of our claim to the territory?" Queen Galla intensely whispers.

    "Thought that may be the truth of the servant, many knights of mine report that the message was not sent until later, the following morn."

    "Preposterous!" Queen Galla pierces with her voice.

    "Only a fool would think so," King Hengles remarks.

    Indeed, the topic at hand is one of immense consequences for both parties. You sit, crossing your arms and coughing every once in a while. Behind, a soldier sniffs harshly and notices your gaze.

    "I am sorry sir if I disturbed you," he nervously states.

    You wave your hand and turn to the host of the conference.

    "Would you like to inhale the breath of the gardens?" he inquires.

    Of course, you're quite tired and frankly, sick of the bickering among these fiendish power-hungry foes. Standing up, you leave the room and walk down the hall, saluting soldiers.

    You push open the doors and welcome the beholden sights and smells. In the distance, a hum echoes from far down the valley. Trees shake and what seems to be flags can be seen. War is coming.

    Back at the castle, the continuing bickering and yelling amongst monarchs beckons you. A soldier offers you a chance to warn them.

    "No," you say, "Let us see what these barbarians will do. For too long, I have stood in a position of power. 'Tis time for my hierarchy to end. 'Tis time we put the selfish wants of monarchs behind us. 'Tis time for the people to freely live. 'Tis time for us monarchs to die."