The Foolish Barbarian King

I have never wanted to be here. I was so close to Faldor... so close to getting answers... until it was derailed by the bear tribe's summons—an unwelcome detour. Yet, despite my reservations, I came to help. TO HELP! And now? Now I stand accused of plotting against the very life I seek to save. The king, with all his stubborn pride, holds me in judgment as if I wished for this trial. I should speak, I should tell him exactly how foolish he is, but no—this tongue stays still.

It is his shaman. The one whispering poison into his ears, filling his mind with doubts and lies. How can he not see it? She stands in the perfect position to strike, nestled so close to his queen that it’s almost laughable he doesn’t suspect her. Yet, here I am, on trial, while this vile shaman weaves her web of deceit, smirking from the shadows. The king is a damn fool, letting her undermine him at every turn, allowing her to worm her way into his wife's trust. It’s maddening. His blindness, his arrogance, it's all making this worse, and still, I remain silent. If only he knew how close the real enemy lurks.

My heart burns with fury, yet I swallow every retort. If the king believes his pride more valuable than the queen’s life, then so be it. I could walk away. Let his queen perish at the hands of her unseen enemy. But no. For some reason, I hold my ground. I don’t want to help him, I don't need to help him. But I can help save this woman's life. Not for them, but because it's what I do. Even for fools.