THE GENERAL (PART III)

The Sword of a Betrayer.

The Royal Advisor comes into the hall followed by two Grade 5th Officials bringing piles of scrolls in their hands.

"Your Majesty, these are the reports regarding the new lands that need your approval," the Royal Advisor ordered the officials to put the scrolls on the table.

The King doesn't say anything and gestured them to leave.

The officials leave the hall but the Royal Advisor remains.

The King looks at him, "What is it, Advisor Li?"

"Your Majesty, I heard the news of our soldiers' victory in the North Border," the Royal Advisor takes a step forward. "And I heard the General showed an excellent leadership."

I roll my eyes. 'What are you trying to say now, Snake?'

"He had indeed excelled in his duty, he proved his worth," the King says sarcastically.

"Of course, Your Majesty," the Royal Advisor's face looks annoyed. He was the one who proposed to send the General to the North Border. I guess he didn't expect him to win the battle.

"But, Your Majesty, I heard a few Ministers are taking this news rather…negatively," he throws the bait.

The King knows what the Ministers are thinking but he heard the General's vow, his loyalty shouldn't be questioned.

"Let them think what they want, I'm tired of their speculations," the King stands up from the throne and walks out from the hall.

The Royal Advisor looks disappointed that the King ignored him. He follows the King from behind.

The King heads to the Memorial Room and stops on a corner. In front of him lays a sword, nicely placed on a gold stand. I recognise the sword, I know the owner.

The Royal Advisor knits his eyebrows.

The King takes the sword from the stand and unsheathes it. Despite its age, the sword looks shiny and nicely polished. Someone must have been taking care of it.

"This going to be a good reward for him," the King holds the sword horizontally and examines it. The light reflected from its blade. For a moment I feel like I'm seeing something else as the light shine into my eyes.

'What was that?'

"You're giving him the sword?" The Royal Advisor raises an eyebrow.

"Yes," the King answers short and put the sword back into its sheath.

"You must have known the history of the sword, Your Majesty?"

The King's face looks unpleasant. "Like you said, it's a history."

"And history always repeats itself, Your Majesty. Years ago, the Great King Lee III, killed his most trusted general, who betrayed him, using the same sword he awarded him to."

I look at the Royal Advisor, The Great King Lee III was the 'King' and the General he said was General Sun. Why did he say the 'King' killed General Sun? When did that happen? Was it after I died? General Sun betrayed the 'King'? But he was a loyal subject!

Suddenly my head starts spinning and the sight before me becomes so bright that it hurts my eyes.

"What is happening?" I shut my eyes tight and when I open them, I'm suddenly in a different place.

***

I look around me. I'm in front of a door to a chamber. I heard people arguing inside the chamber. I step forward and walk through the walls into the chamber. My heart beats faster as I'm getting closer to the voices. I recognize the owner of the voices and I never thought I could hear it once again.

It's the 'King'. He's arguing with the Queen Dowager.

"Your Highness, all evidence is right before you, why are you still denying it?"

"The Crown Prince is just five years old, isn't it absurd to have people wanting him to be a king at such a young age? This is all just an absurd rumours to humiliate the Queen!" The King's face is red. I had never seen him so angry.

"You are right but it's not the Crown Prince they serve, it's the Queen and General Sun is her lover!"

"Audacious! She's the Mother of this Nation, beware that someone might hear you, Queen Dowager." The 'King' glares at her.

"It is better someone hears me so that they know how rotten she is behind her golden robe."

"What is happening? Why would I be someone else's lover? My heart is all for the King!"

I try to pull the 'King' out of the room but I dropped to the ground as soon as I touch him and my whole body passes through him. I swallowed my tears.

"I showed you all the proofs of her betrayal but still you are defending her. You must be blinded by that stupid love. Remember, you are a King, don't let love fools you and let this nation suffers just because she looks innocent."

The 'King' leaves the chamber and I run after him.

"My King, what is happening? Why is everyone calling me a betrayer? I'm not, I'm loyal to you."