In the Grip of king Roderick

"Please, don't! Please!" the mother begged, her voice filled with desperation as she pleaded with the knight to spare her children's lives. Tears streamed down her face, her heart heavy with fear and anguish. But her pleas fell on deaf ears. 

With a solemn movement, the knight lowered his arm, his hand tightly gripping the sharp blade. The glint of steel reflected the dim light as he brought it closer to their throats. A moment of unbearable tension hung in the air, the room filled with a suffocating silence. 

In one swift, merciless motion, the blade sliced through their tender skin. The room erupted with the horrifying sound of their blood gushing out, staining the floor crimson. The mother's anguished cry pierced the silence, a gut-wrenching lament for the lives lost. 

It was a moment etched in darkness, an act of brutality that shattered the fragile innocence of their existence. The world stood still, forever scarred by the merciless act committed within those walls.

The throne room is grand and opulent, adorned with gilded decorations and tapestries depicting the king's victories. At the center, a massive throne looms, occupied by KING RODERICK, a ruthless and imposing figure. His eyes are cold and calculating, exuding an air of power and authority. 

King Roderick, a formidable figure cloaked in regal splendor, exudes an air of authority and power. Tall and broad-shouldered, he carries himself with an imposing presence that demands attention. His chiseled features are marked by a strong jawline and piercing, penetrating eyes that seem to hold secrets and depths yet to be explored. 

KING RODERICK (his voice dripping with danger) "I demand unwavering loyalty! Those who dare defy my reign shall face ruthless and unforgiving consequences. Like now As our lord Alden," king Roderick voice malevolence echoes in the air... 

"Despite my vehement disdain for one thing above all else in my kingdom—spies...," 

"What have I done wrong? The truth is crystal clear to everyone. You, a vile creature with twisted desires, a deranged monster who would extinguish any life for a taste of power. You have bathed in the blood of the innocent, driven solely by the insatiable hunger for POWER. Open your eyes, if you dare, and witness your own reflection—a living manifestation of pure evil." 

"Indeed, the time has come for the reckoning, for you to face the weight of divine retribution...," 

"Ivar, you have raised under my wing. Why have you chosen this treacherous path? Cease this madness, for there may still be a sliver of hope left...!" 

Ivar's lips curled into a sinister smirk, his eyebrows twisting with a wicked satisfaction as he responded, "Hope, you say? How amusing. Save that feeble hope for your own misguided soul you might need that." 

A derisive chuckle escaped Ivar's throat as he continued, his voice dripping with disdain, "Believe in the Seven Gods, Ivar? Tell me, do you truly fear them? Shouldn't you,  with all your pious devotion?" Alden questioned. 

With a menacing glint in his eyes, Roderick gaze swept across the room, his voice resonating with a chilling intensity, "If there's anyone who should be trembling in fear, it's this entire kingdom. Tomorrow, I shall unleash yet another reason for their trembling hearts. Mark my words, I will ensure he is taken away, subjected to a punishment that will break his spirit until he begs for the sweet release of death." 

Pausing for a moment, relishing in the anticipation, Roderick sneered and continued, "And I will patiently await tomorrow's arrival, just to witness if your so-called divine protectors, those Seven Gods you hold so dear, will dare to intervene and save you from the merciless fate I have in store.," Suddenly The door swung open abruptly, unleashing a gust of air that echoed with an ominous creak. Revealed within its frame stood a man of formidable presence, his figure encased in glimmering golden armor. With each step, he moved with a resolute purpose, his strides emanating authority. Flanking him were two figures, garbed in billowing white robes cinched by golden neckbands, their movements graceful yet enigmatic. Gripped firmly in one of their hands, a tray made of polished gold remained concealed beneath a vibrant red cloth. 

"Valerius," King Roderick's voice pierced the silence, his lips curving into a sinister smile that hinted at hidden intentions. As his words spilled forth, they resonated with an unwavering determination, freezing the air around them. Valerius, a portrait of unwavering loyalty, felt his fingers coil tighter around the hilt of his sword, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension gleaming in his eyes. Bending at the waist in a deep bow, he responded in a voice hushed but charged with an unsettling resolve, "Yes, my king." In a fluid motion that mirrored the king's vengeful desire, he added, "My king, at your gesture..." 

"Indeed, reveal what lies beneath," the king's command cut through the heavy atmosphere, slicing through the tension like a sharpened blade. With a graceful flourish, the red silk cloth was lifted, unraveling the horrors it had concealed. A collective gasp seemed to hold the chamber captive as a malevolent sight unfolded, a tableau that exuded an air of pure darkness.  Lord Alden anguished cry reverberated off the walls as he sank to his knees, his trembling hands outstretched towards the unimaginable sight before him. There, upon the golden tray, rested his beloved family, their lifeless heads hauntingly displayed. Eyes once brimming with life now stared unseeing into the void above, their skin drained of color, as pale as freshly fallen snow.

"My king, I am honored," responded Valerius, his body bowing respectfully before his king. 

"Valerius, once again, your loyalty is commendable," said the king. 

"Thank you, my king," replied Valerius, bowing on one knee. 

"Rise, Valerius, and Lord Alden  face the consequences of your actions, your family suffer as a result. Tomorrow, you will also join them. Take Lord Alden away and lock him in the Dungeon. I want to hear him scream too. Valerius, do you understand? 

"Yes, my king, I will follow your orders," two guards from the king's personal guard appeared and carried Lord Alden away. 

A middle-aged man approached the king with purpose, his footsteps echoing in the grand hall. 

"Your Grace," he began respectfully, his voice carrying a tinge of urgency, "the council is eagerly awaiting your arrival. They seek your presence, my Grace." His words were accompanied by a slight bow. 

king Roderick, caught in a moment of intrigue, looked at the man with a emotionless expression. "And what is it, Marin?" he inquired, raising his one brows 

"Such a shame,"  king Roderick muttered, his voice tinged with frustration which echoed in the grand hall the General the Dukes 

King Roderick Turning his attention back to Marin, he asked sought understanding. "Why? Why are they angry?" he inquired, his tone a mixture of genuine curiosity and a desire for clarity. 

Marin's face displayed a blend of regret and sincerity as he responded, his eyes meeting the king's gaze. "Forgive me, my lord, but I am not aware of the exact cause," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of remorse. His earnest expression conveyed his dedication and the absence of intent to cause any harm.

"Come on then Martin," 

Each of them in the crowd all whispered.... 

"To the new Gods and the old to the strongest to the weakest have mercy on the On the general counselors, Amen," they touch their foreheads and made the cross.

The large oak doors swung open, revealing a dimly lit chamber filled with anticipation. King Roderick, the formidable king, sat at the head of a long, ornate table, radiating an air of authority. As the general counsellors entered one by one, their expressions betrayed a mixture of fear and respect. Each step they took towards Roderick was marked with caution, their movements constrained, and their postures slightly rigid. 

Roderick: "Ah, the loyal generals have arrived." With a casual air, he crossed his leg and rested his elbow on the golden armrest. His arm stood upright, displaying a dangerous expression etched across his face. 

The general counsellors approached, bowing respectfully as they took their designated seats. Roderick's face bore a self-assured smirk, a testament to his unwavering belief in his own power. 

Roderick: "You have all been summoned here for a reason. Why have you called me?" 

General A: "Your Majesty, we are well aware of our duty and the trust you have placed in us. But there are pressing matters that demand your attention." 

Roderick: "What seems to be standing in our way?" 

General B: "Your Majesty, it's the farmers and the growing discontent among the citizens. They are becoming increasingly restless." 

Roderick: "Remember, your abilities and positions are not above reproach. Use them, My expectations are high, and I will tolerate no incompetence." 

The general counsellors shifted uncomfortably in their seats, acutely aware of the weight of Roderick's power. 

General C: "Your Majesty, we understand the gravity of the situation. We will redouble our efforts to meet your expectations and address these challenges." 

Roderick: "See that you do. Your loyalty is commendable, but remember, it is my rule that holds this kingdom together. Disloyalty will be met with swift and merciless justice." 

As Roderick spoke, his arrogant demeanor remained unchanged, further intensifying the atmosphere of fear in the room. 

General D: "We are devoted to your cause, Your Majesty. We shall not falter in our duties." 

Roderick: "You would be wise not to. Now, leave me. I have other matters to attend to." 

The meeting came to a close, leaving a lingering tension in the air. The general counsellors, fully aware of the consequences of failure, exited the chamber, their minds racing with the weight of their responsibilities.