The Righteous King
“Wench! Come, please your king!” King Leon held up a gold piece, and one of the many scantily clad women came to his throne. Giggling, she sat in his lap and stroked his second chin.
“Your highness, please,” said Gideon, rubbing his temples. “Surely, some decorum must prevail in the throne room.”
“Gideon, lad, no one knows politics better than you, but you really must learn to enjoy the finer things in life. Drink with me!”
“I don’t drink, your highness, you know that. Spirits have destroyed more lives than war and plague combined. You allow vice to roam the streets. Prostitution, liquor, and gambling are a cancer on this land. They must be rooted out before they tear us asunder.”
“Balderdash, I say. Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”
“The Lord says otherwise, your highness. First Corinthians, 15:32. Paul tells us that what you say is for fools who deny the resurrection and the power of the Lord.”
“Careful, Gideon.” Leon’s voice was suddenly harsh. “Calling your king a fool skates close to treason.” Gideon felt his heart speed up, but then Leon burst into laughter. “Hah, you should have seen your face! Relax, my boy, there’s no one I trust more than you.” Gideon smiled and tried not to think of the meeting he’d had last night.
“You can’t be serious, Gideon! If word of this got out, it would be both our heads!”
“This land is in danger, Marcus.” Gideon sat quietly in the lowest cell in the dungeon while Marcus paced about. “We can meet here safely only because the dungeon is near empty. Why do you think that is? It’s because anything goes today. There is no morality at the top of the land, so there is no example for others to follow.”
“This kingdom is one I have devoted my life to, and that means I devote my life to the king who rules it.”
“This is a nation, but it is no kingdom. The fat slug who gives orders is not fit to be a king.”
“He is the king!” shouted Marcus. “He is our liege by divine right! If God wills you to be king, he will make it so. Remember, David did not kill Saul because only God had the right to do so.”
“Do you think my conscience untroubled, Marcus?” Gideon stopped a moment and said a quick prayer for wisdom. “I know that what I suggest is a great crime and a great sin. But it cannot be as great as allowing this rot to spread further. If you wish to compare scripture, remember that our Lord also denounced the corrupt Jews who were complicit with the evils of Rome.”
“Denounce, yes, but he didn’t murder them!”
“We live in a fallen world, my friend. If I could simply will away its evils, I would. Unfortunately, compromises are necessary. Are you with me or against me?”
“Gideon, you know I love and trust you like a brother, but I cannot be part of this. I’m sorry.”
Gideon bowed his head and felt tears coming. “I’m sorry too, my friend. I wish I had you by my side, but so be it.” He walked out of the cell and towards the stairs, where two elite guards were waiting. “He wouldn’t listen to reason,” Gideon whispered. “Make it quick.” The guards drew their swords and walked towards the cell, while Gideon ascended the stairs, finally allowing himself to cry.
“And now, my council, a toast!” Leon raised a glass as Gideon’s personal servant passed out goblets to the assorted nobles. “To our peace and prosperity! May it last a hundred generations!”
The court drank deep of the wine, and quickly all began to choke. The women jumped away and screamed. The elite guard drew their weapons and watched for any signs of resistance. One bodyguard ran towards Gideon and was struck down in an instant. Within two minutes, all of the nobles were dead.
“The reign of King Leon has reached its end,” announced Gideon. “His children’s throats are being slit as we speak. In the name of the Lord, I hereby proclaim myself King Gideon. Harlots, you will be allowed to leave, but know that you will receive no further mercy if you continue your lecherous ways. Spread the word far and wide: the body is a temple to the Lord. Any who defile the temple forfeit their right to live in it. Now be gone. I have much to do to restore this kingdom’s worth.”
In the days that followed, terror spread across the land. Drunkards were publicly hanged. Prostitutes were driven to poverty, having no way to earn their keep. Rebellious children, adulterers, and apostates were stoned to death, and some were killed by overzealous neighbors without even a trial. Many committed suicide rather than risk offending the new king. Humanity does not tolerate tyranny for long. To be slaves is against our nature. Yet it would be many a year before anyone in that sad land could ever again think themselves free.
“The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression.”
-H.L. Mencken