Salvation

Through the bars high over his head Carl saw the early morning light begin to shine on the walls of his cell. The muffled sounds of activity on the courtyard above trickled down to him, there would be crowds gathering to watch him die. He scurried to the cell door and collected his breakfast of gruel. There would be jeering and tossed fruit or even mud, either would be more appetizing than this gruel.

The sound of chains rattling in the corridor announced the jailors approach. Sloppy cheap boots pounded on the stone floor as the prison guards shared a tasteless joke before unbolting the door and stepping in side.

“Carl Rhinett, you have been found guilty by the Bylaws and Ordinances of the Winddale City. You have been given the trial due a free man of the King’s land and sentenced that on this the thirteenth of Leaf-fall you shall be hanged until quite dead in the presence of those witnesses assembled.” Throughout this Carl remained silent, head in his hands. “The condemned man may make a request at this time, one final comfort on the morning of his death. Can the judiciary or staff provide some simple service to you in these your last hours?”

“Well…” He raises his eyes and looks at the guards and the scribe reading from a scroll “Traditionally what do condemned men request?”

“Often, a letter or message can be carried to a loved one.” The scribes voice became more sympathetic now he was not reading from an official proclamation “Maybe a stiff drink, or other refreshment. Occasionally a whore can be arranged, but of course in your case we can’t risk that. The offer is really limited to small favors, after all your life is not worth much to the city officials, so no great expense will be spared.”

“I can be trusted with a woman you know; I didn’t mean to kill that poor girl!” His snapping tone made one of the guards fidget and move towards him, cooling down Carl spoke on “No that’s fine I don’t want any more of your women, they’re definitely more trouble than they are worth.”

“If there is nothing you need I can leave you in peace.” Offered the scribe.

“No I think… I think I would like to see a priest.”

“That can be arranged.” The scribe made a note on his parchment and turned away, the guards led him out and Carl was once again alone.

Within the hour a priest was provided and the two were left with some privacy. Carl began to speak of his fears of the unknown, and how he had no god to go to when he died. Platitudes were exchanged and Carl relaxed a little. He asked how the priest had found his faith and while he listened to the man’s testimony raised his arm and brought down his breakfast bowl on the priest head digging the edge deep into the skull.

Quickly he exchanged clothing with the holy man, then arranged the corpse on the corner, drawing the hood over his head Carl moved towards the door. The guards responded to the knock and allowed him to leave.

“The poor young man is quite terrified of what lies ahead.”

“He won’t have to worry for long Father.”

“Well I hope my words lead his heart towards some peace.” Carl continued to impersonate the priest ”He prays now for the deities to forgive his sins. Do not disturb him while he is in prayer I beg. His immortal soul may still be saved.”

“Humf! As you say father.”

“Bless you.”

Back in that cell Carl had found a kind of salvation, and felt open to sharing blessings. But primarily he just wanted to get out of Winddale.

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631 Words