Chapter Thirty-one Prison

Carla was bored. Carla was bored out of her mind. She had been forced to stay in the castle in the princess’s own room and had not been allowed to move about freely. The servants brought her anything she wanted and while it was a lot more comfortable and a cell in the dungeon, it was a cell, nonetheless.

Carla missed Mark. Carla missed Toby. Carla even missed Gina. Before she had felt like she was in control of her destiny and now that control had completely vanished. The days wore on. The servants treated her like royalty. Several times she was tempted to use the secret passage to escape, but each time she thought about it, she decided to stay where she was. She tried to get information about what was going on outside, but each time she asked one of the servants a question, they would give a polite non-answer.

Then one day, she got a visitor, and it wasn’t just anyone. She had attracted the attention of the guy in charge and not just the guy in charge of this area, she attracted the attention of the guy in charge of everything, everywhere. He was old. Carla couldn’t be sure just how old he was, but she could tell that he had been through a lot.

“How are you my dear?” The leader asks.

“I’m okay. I’m kind of bored though.” Carla answers.

“That’s understandable.” The leader continues, “I hope you will accept my apologies for keeping you ‘locked up’,”

“It’s better than being in the dungeon.” Carla offers.

“It certainly is.” The leader agreed, “My second in command thinks you are a natural born leader. He can read people in moments, and he is never wrong. I have come to trust and rely on his judgement. We need leaders, leaders who can bring about the greater good.”

“Is that what your war is about? Bringing about the greater good.” Carla asks.

“I would hardly call it a war, but yes. What you say is correct. We are uniting the world under one system of government. A system which benefits all the people, not just a select few.” The leader explains.

“Why do you get to decide what the greater good is?” Carla asks.

“Someone has to decide, and once people get used to this new system, they are willing to fight to the death to keep it.” The leader adds.

“But why is it you?” Carla asks again.

“Because it’s my vision for humanity.” The leader responds, “and in my vision, you can use the talents you have to benefit, not only yourself but everyone else instead of wasting them because you lack opportunity.”

“What do you want me to do?” Carla asks.

“I want you to use your talents for leadership, to inspire people and get things done.” The leader answers, “You don’t know what’s going on outside because you have been here for weeks. Allow me to give you a tour, so you can see what I am talking about.”

Carla knew she didn’t have a choice. The leader and Carla left the castle and entered the city. The fires that had been burning the night of the attack were completely gone. The buildings that had been destroyed had been rebuilt. In fact, if you didn’t know that a battle had taken place, you would never know unless someone told you. Carla marveled at how ‘back to normal’ everything seemed and how happy everyone looked.

The city was clean and tidy, and everything seemed to be in place. Carla felt like there had to be something wrong, but if there was, she couldn’t see it.

“Now tell me, my dear. “The leader asked, “When was the last time you saw this place in a better condition than you see it now?”

“I’ve never seen this place in a better condition than it is now.” Carla had to admit.

“Pick any random person and ask them how they are doing?” the leader ordered, “Go on. Ask them anything.” Carla stopped a young woman who seemed like she was in a hurry.

“Excuse me.” Carla said to the young woman, “Why are you in such a hurry.”

“Haven’t you heard?” The young woman replied, “The bakery two streets over has baked the best tasting bread anyone has ever tasted. I’m hurrying to get some before it’s all gone for the day.” Before Carla could get in another word, the young woman was off.

“See, didn’t I tell you. Now ask someone else.” the leader prompted. Carla stopped a young man.

“Excuse me.” Carla said, “I would just like to know how you are doing today?” The young man stops to answer her. “I’m doing great.” The young man replied.

“Why is that?” Carla followed up.

“Before the attack, I was out of work. I was hungry. I didn’t know what I was going to do. They rounded me up and a bunch of other people and I thought they were going to throw me in the dungeon but instead they gave me a job. They said no man should suffer the humiliation of not being able to provide for his family. This attack was the best thing that ever happened to me.” The young man’s face was beaming with pride.

“Thank you” Carla said. Carla couldn’t deny what her eyes were telling her. Things were better. Things were better for everyone. The leader was right, who would want things to do back to the way they were before?

Carla couldn’t help but think there had to be some kind of catch, only she couldn’t think of what that catch was.