Long Live Us

Adelrik

"And it is for these reasons that we the citizens of this court find you, King Adelrik, guilty of crimes against the people." A murmur spread throughout the crowd as the aforementioned king looked around in bewilderment. "What is the meaning of this? You would do this to me?  To your king?  HOW DARE YOU?! I am the one who has kept this kingdom alive for two long years! I am the one who keeps you safe from invaders! I am-" "A bratty young man who needs to get an attitude adjustment." the leader of the rebellion cut the king off abruptly. The court erupted into cheers as King Adelrik took his seat, embarrassed. "We shall now determine your sentence. All those in favor of execution?" Hands went up all over the courtroom; some of the spectators even cheered. King Adelrik refused to show any emotion at this; he wouldn't give those rebels the satisfaction. The leader banged his fist on the table to quiet the crowd. "So be it then. I hereby sentence you, Adelrik the first, to-" "WAIT!" The crowd gasped as one of the rebels jumped to interrupt their leader. 

Enraged at being cut off at such an important time, the leader whirled to find the one who dared speak against him. However, upon discovering the identity of the speaker, his attitude quickly shifted. "A-Arvin! I didn't think you were coming today." He leaned in closely to the newly arrived figure. "I thought we agreed-" "I agreed that I would do what was best for me and for the rebellion. I still intend to do so." the man responded. He turned to address the crowed. "Citizens of the court, I understand your pain. I know more than anyone that Adelrik needs to be brought to justice. But ladies and gentlemen, death is not the way to do so. Let us remember that Adelrik was not the worst king we have ever had. Or have any of you forgotten the late King Adelram?" A stunned silence fell over the crowd. "Floggings every day in the square. Prisons filled to the brim. Executions happening on the hour. That was Adelram's rein of terror. But when Adelrik took the throne, all of that was severely diminished. No longer did you have to fear for your life every time you looked at a guard wrong. No longer was the threat of the lash every time you didn't bow low enough or bless the king at every meal. Well? Am I wrong? Is there anyone who disagrees?" 

The crowd anxiously looked at each other, silently daring each other to contest the young man's words. "Now, do not misunderstand me. Adelrik has done wrong and he must be punished for it. But we must ask ourselves, are his crimes deserving of the punishment you seek or are you simply out for blood in your thirst for vengeance? We must be careful, dear friends, that in seeking to bring Adelrik to justice, we do not sink to his level." The crowd broke into a series of whispers trying to figure out what to do next. Arvin turned to the leader. "I believe another vote is in order." The leader sighed and nodded in his head. "All those in favor of execution?" The crowd looked around at each other. Very few raised their hands this time. Far too few for the execution to take place. "Very well. In the absence of an execution, it is the decision of this court that the forme King Adelrik will be stripped of his title and all of his power. He will be banished from this kingdom never to return again. All agreed?" The entire courtroom erupted into cheering. Arvin looked as if he was going to protest, but the leader quietly whispered to him, "You were lucky enough to save him from the ax. I suggest you not press your luck any further." Reluctantly, Arvin took his seat. 

Adelrik was livid. He balled his hands into fists and slowly stood up. He chuckled. A low, menacing sound that got louder, and louder, until he was cackling like a maniac. The courtroom fell silent at they watched him in horror. "You fools," he laughed. "You think you've won? You think that by banishing me from my own kingdom and replacing me with one of your own you'll be making life better for yourselves? Well I have some news for you. YOU'RE WRONG! Sooner or later you'll all turn out like me! Man, woman, poor, rich, we're all the same! You claim to be fighting for the people but you're only in it for yourselves. Even you, brother." He looked on Arvin with pure hatred in his eyes. "Do you really think I need you to save me? You, the oldest who was too weak to be king. You, who betrayed his own family to join the traitors. You, the one who was so despicable Father couldn't bear to name you after himself. I defy your so-called court! You might as well kill me now because if you don't, I swear on Mother's grave I will return one day and destroy you all!" "Enough!" the leader cried. "Take him away!" 

Two rebels grabbed Adelrik and dragged him to the city gates and threw him out. "You'll regret this! All of you! I swear on-" "Yeah. yeah, on your mother's grave. Get walking, traitor, or I'll have you arrested for trespassing." one of the rebels sneered at him. Adelrik glared at her as he picked himself up. He smoothed out his shirt, took one last look at the kingdom that used to be his, and sharply turned on his heel to walk away. "Adelrik! Wait!" he heard Arvin shout from behind him. "Brother, please! I-I just want to talk." "The time for talking is long past, Arvin. You of all people should know that." Adelrik replied without turning to face his brother. "I have no brother now." 

                                                                           ---Time Skip---

Adelrik had no idea how long he had been walking for. He only knew that he was tired, hungry, and irritated. This is so unfair. Why do bad things happen to good people? he thought to himself. Suddenly, a hunched figure. What the hell?  Adelrik quickened his pace to see what it was. Soon, the figure of a young man, about the same age as himself, came into view. He had dark brown hair and olive skin. What is a Roman doing here? Adelrik thought to himself. The man was curled in on himself, shaking as sobs wracked his slight frame. "Um, hello?" The man stirred, but did not answer. Adelrik jumped back; this man could be dangerous for all he knew. Slowly, the Roman picked himself up and turned to face him. Adelrik could see the tears running down his face. The former king had no idea what to do, emotional drama had never been his strong suit. Mustering up every ounce of sympathy he could manage, Adelrik took a deep breath and said:      "What is your problem?"