Chapter 41: "The Tyrant's Descent"
Maximus, sat upon his ill-gotten throne, the stolen crown perched arrogantly upon his head. A guard rushed into the chamber, urgency in his voice as he noted the crown. "Your Majesty, there's a mage aiding the queen," he reported. Maximus, reveling in his newfound power, cruelly instructed, "Capture the mage. Once I have her, I'll have the queen at my mercy," his laughter echoing ominously.
Elsewhere in the kingdom, the dawn unveiled a scene of horror and brutalit
In the cold light of morning, a cruel ruler,y. All of the king's subjects were bound and subjected to merciless torture. Walking through this sea of agony, Maximus demanded loyalty from those who still clung to life. "Look into my eyes. Anyone who doesn't want me as his king should speak now. I demand loyalty," he declared, passing by lifeless noble bodies.
Lord Cedric, a voice of defiance amidst the suffering, dared to question the ruthless king. "Did you truly think you could gain loyalty through torture?" he challenged. Maximus, intrigued by Cedric's wisdom, spared his life momentarily. "You're reputed to be a wise man. Tell me, how does a king gain loyalty?" he inquired. Cedric, undeterred, responded, "You'll gain loyalty if you can resurrect the lives you've taken. As of now, you're nothing more than a butcher." In a fit of rage, Maximus struck Cedric, leaving him stunned.
In an attempt to break the spirit of the defiant lord, Maximus revealed a darker intent. He brought forth Cedric's teenage daughter, a pawn in this ruthless game. Maximus taunted, "Will I gain your loyalty if I kill your daughter?" The plea of a desperate father rang through the chamber as Cedric begged for mercy. "No! Please, no! Spare her!" he cried, while Maximus, devoid of remorse, brandished his knife. The young girl's heart-wrenching cries for her father, her "papa," pierced the air, the chilling laughter of the tyrant drowning out her screams.