A Fool’s Sword
hirokasuzu & aki
I
The jewels lining the sarcophagus glistened to life under the fiery sunbeams from above. Beneath the temple, the soil rumbled as if Earth itself chuckled with delight. Crystal stalactites quivered. Carvings of gold slithered across walls with hundreds of years’ worth of history.
A history that has now awakened.
Slowly, the lid of the sarcophagus dissolved into a searing viscous liquid. It dripped on the marbled floor, staining the pristine varnish of the temple. Then, from the dark of the gilded container rose a man — no, a monster made of ash and smoke, bone and blood, flesh and teeth. It had eyes the color of rubies, skin the color of sand, and hair the color of raging fire.
It drew its first breath after its rebirth, taking in the scent of incense that wafted across the grand halls. It was majestic. It was monstrous.
And it wanted a taste of vengeance.
II
“They say a creature, nay, a monster, has eaten the sun.”
General Kal Sandor’s headache began ever since a strange twilight engulfed the kingdom like a heavy blanket. In his years of being of service to the crown, never has he witnessed a phenomenon such as this. Not until now.
“The people have gone hysterical. Some suggest that the Saints have grown wroth and They sent the monster to wreak havoc upon the mortals,” said Minister Edris.
“General, you must do something.”
“What about the King?” Kal inquired.
“King Darsa and the Queen Mother have been sent to the Winter Palace for their safety,” Minister Ike interjected.
Kal knew then that it was up to him to confront the monster that caused these polar nights. It has been a few days since the land was enveloped in tenebrosity. If he didn’t make a move now, the monster might cause more chaos.
“I shall go and see to this matter,” he spoke at last. “Please see to it that the worries of your respective villages be put to rest, as the crown will ensure their safety.” His jaw clenched. A part of him knew the crown couldn’t give its one hundred percent protection. If the rumors of this monster were true, then . . .
“This council meeting is adjourned.”
III
The staff sharply moved through the air, its bauble glinting from the lamppost’s fire. Three miniature golden bells chimed with every move the staff did as the Court Jester pranced. He hummed a melody before a mellifluous voice followed.
Come here, come now
Let me tell you a secret: how
A prince rises to the throne
Scepter on hand, golden blood sown
On the soil where he stood
Lies a dear brother he fooled
Oh, how he laughed!
Oh, how he howled!
What misery this is,
This mercy of his,
Ah, the glory he craves
Shall send him to the grave!
He ended the performance as the ferrule hit the ground. Heaving a breath, he looked up at the skies woven in black.
“Sir Shir.”
IV
The Court Jester met the General’s gaze with a grin. “Oh, how delightful to see you!”
Kal tensed when Shir approached, instinctively placing a hand on the sword’s hilt. Shir bowed at him with a hand on his heart.
“What had you just sung?”
Kal frowned when Shir raised his head and smiled like a Cheshire cat.
“The fool knows no tales,” said Shir. “And I am merely a fool.”
Kal gripped the hilt. No one’s allowed in the temple or the courtyard . . . Only him. “What are you here for?”
Shir stood tall. “Are you a martyr or a fool? Will beliefs save you in the face of death?”
The lyrics echoed in Kal’s mind. Before he could reply, Shir continued.
“Oh, who truly is the villain in the eyes of the world? Who stained the crown with divine blood?” The bells chimed as the bauble pointed at Kal. “And who will be the lamb sacrificed to the fire?”
Kal swallowed. A lie. All that the jester had said — sung. Though the death was suspicious, the beloved king would never —
“You deserve death,” Kal spat.
Shir laughed. “A martyr then.”
The jester left after, and Kal stood long in the temple’s entrance, unable to enter.
