-Morning precepts, death has settled, blessings revoked-
The time was upon him, for being impoverished and without sin his soul was damned; sentenced to Holy Hell. A humble imperial copyist, his upbringing was poor, but had risen through the ranks. After years of service and humble living despite his new acquired status, he was found dead in his room.
-The court presides, heart of the nation, torn limb by limb-
“A humble copyist, but not without a life of sin; your soul now in the hands of this court. This is the present circumstances, do you wish to plead your case?”
“Oh lords of Holy Hell! I have no plea, for my fate has already been decided.”
“A man of wisdom and without a plea! So be your fate for six years.”
-The empress succeeds in her deed, the dark of night, an onlooker sees-
The High Court was intrigued by the lack to repeal the verdict from the copyist, despite their intrigue, his sentencing commenced. His hands and eyes were removed, forced to wander Hell on only hearing. For six years he trekked, yet never felt remorse for himself.
-The emerald curtains fall, her majesty burned, now comes judgement-
“Once again you stand before this court, your verdict will be swift; for her majesty awaits as well.”
“I do not wish to plead my case, for judgement is out of my hands and no end in sight. I only ask the court to tell me of what will become of the empress.”
“For your humbleness, we will grant you this one request. Her majesty, despite her affluence, has committed an agresius sin. Murder upon a man who oppesed her rule.” “Yes and for this she will be tried.”
“But this is not for your own knowledge, your repeal is revoked and for hearing of such matters your hearing shall be filled with the cries of the damned.”
-Majesty found guilty, all alone, Hell awaits-
Once again the humble copyist was set to wander in the dark, fire scorched his flesh, but not once did cries leave his lips. This confused the Holy Court, for no man could ever withstand such torment, the copyist was focused on much more important matters; matters of the heart.
-Enlightened are the humble, six years passed, the court presides-
“Tell us copyist, why do you not fight for salvation or feel the flames upon your naked body; hearing once again restored?”
“I ask for one answer from this court, then and only then shall I give an answer.” “You dare to deny us what we ask of you! You are not at liberty to know such matters.” “Now, we have told him of such matters before, it is truly a small price to pay for his response.” “Agreed, what do you, humble copyist, ask of this court?”
“I wish to inquire about what became of the empress.”
“Why do you ask such questions abou-”
“She was found guilty of aforementioned sins, sentenced to a punishment far beyond your imagination.”
“Very well, I have no fear or pain of this Hell because I possess love within my heart of hearts.”
-A verdict awaits, questions yet answered, truth in understanding-
“Why is her majesty of such importance to you?”
“I had assumed the Holy Court knew of “our” life together.”
“Ahhh, we see now, a humble copyist entangled with a royal, such affairs are rare.”
“True, but we knew nothing of such matters, so your love for her keeps your heart from suffering.”
“Yes, but I do suffer, for her husband, the emperor was my murderer. I love her despite what has occured.” “Tell us why and how come you do not seek retribution.”
“I love the empress and wished to make our love public while we presided on Earth; but for her to leave her royal post and live a humble life with me was not an option. She loved me and I her, she simply did not agree on the same future. For this, the emperor eventually found our love. I truly was asking too much of my love.”
“We commend you for your understanding and commitment, but why no appeal before this court?”
“Because I would rather spend eternity searching for my love, knowing that she is somewhere besides me; than alone, beckoning for my absent love. But without my sight, I am blind to her.”
“Despite everything, you will love her majesty, surely you have more faith and understanding of this matter than we do.”
“Yes, for we have never seen this in our court.”
“We present you with a gift, an aid in your search; and surely your eternity will be swift.”
“I humbly accept.”
-Sight again restored, lovers reunited, love triumphs all-
I really enjoyed this piece. Your storytelling abilities are great and the ending was a satisfying conclusion to the torment that the copyist endured.
ReplyDelete