My Redemption

Chapter 12. Part 2 -How I got a 'Get out of jail free card'

My Redemption, Chapter 12. How I Got A 'Get Out of Jail Free' Card, Dukes POV

I was led down into a cold dark cell. My capturers turned around and said to me,

"Because of your crimes: Betraying your homeland, thievery, murder, plotting against the King, and directly defying the King's orders, you can have no protection under our law. Your citizenship to this country has been revoked. You are no longer a citizen of Inish and thus will be treated as an intruder. You will be handed over to the Demons, and they will do with you as they see fit." 

They looked at me with pity and walked out. I bowed my head and began to weep. The Demons, so that was to be my fate. I had heard stories about them when I was a child. They were the creatures that ever mother used to scare her children into obedience. However some of the stories were so horrific that no mother or father in their right mind would ever tell their children. However, that didn't stop the teachers. They were always more than happy to tell us stories of what the Demons had done to disobedient and wayward people. The stories left a permanent fear of them in my heart.

The Demons, it was said, have no heart. Their souls were taken from them long ago as a consequence for their evil deeds. They had once been top advisers to the King, but they wanted more. They wanted much more power so they banded together and tried to murder Him while he was sitting on the throne. The King was stronger than them all and took them down, but he was furious by their betrayal. He gave them everything, yet they still plotted to kill Him. As a punishment for their sins, their souls were taken from them and they were banished to live down in the darkest parts of the earth forever.

I wept, I wept for myself, the life I had lost, for the chances I forgo-ed, for the evils I had committed, and for the love I had abandoned. Looking back, did it seem worth it? In the long run had my actions benefited anyone? Had I ever done anything worth taking note of? No, so I wept. My tears ran freely down my face, unashamed and untamed.  They drew crooked lines down my face and hit the floor with a quiet drip.

I heard the silent creaking of a door and realized that someone had entered the room. It was the man from outside, he must be here to take me away. I felt suddenly ashamed of myself, here I was supposed to be a mighty warrior and yet I sat on the floor and cried like a  like a babe. 

"It takes a strong man to admit he is weak," the man said

I stared blankly at Him and asked, "Do I know you?"

A sad expression crossed the mans face and he replied, "No, for if you did, you would not be here."

I blinked in confusion.

"Do not try to unravel what I have said right now, It is not the time and you are not ready. When you are ready it will be made clear to you, but for  now we have more pressing matters." The man shook his head sadly and took off his cape.

"Stand up." He commanded. I looked at him with suspicion in my eyes.

"Trust me." he said

I'm not sure why, maybe it was the look of compassion on his face, or maybe it was the fact that I had no other option. Whatever the reason was I trusted him and stood up. The man nodded solemnly and held his cloak out towards me.

"Are you giving it to me?" I asked confused

"Yes, now put it on along with these." He took off his armor and handed it to me.

"Now," he instructed me "Take off your garments and hand them over to me."

I did as as he  commanded, but as soon as he had them in his possession, he slipped them over his head, put them on, and sat down in the corner. He held up a key and unlocked my chained hands and feet. They fell to the ground with a clatter. I stared at him astounded. 

"Quickly!" he said in an urgent tone, " Chain my hands and feet up!"

"What!" I loudly whispered

"Now!" He commanded

"Why?"

"So that you can gain a second chance." he said smiling sadly.

My eyes widened and I shook my head.

"No, why would you save me?"

"Because," he said sincerely "it is what my Father expects of me. Now quickly out the chains on me!"

Not knowing what else to do, I fastened the chains on him making sure that they were snug and secure. He motioned for me to put on the rest of his clothe and I did so speedily. 

"Put the hood up and go!" he ordered "My Father will summon you soon."

"But, what about you? What will happen?"

"I will take your place." he said

My mouth gaped open and I mumbled some incommunicable words. I could hear people approaching us from the hallway.

"Go!" He demanded

 The footsteps stopped outside our door and I turned to go. As I stepped out into the hallway I heard Him call something out. I was facing the other way so I wasn't sure what he said, but it sounded a lot like he said

"Be safe, my brother."

I whipped around sharply so that I could see his face, but they guards had already reached him. As I watched him get led down the hall to his certain death,  a death that was rightfully mine, his words rang through my head. 

"You have met me.... My brother... My Father expects of me"

The voice was so seemingly familiar, why could I not place it? I heard the distant screams of a man being tortured and I turned and fled. Tears, for the second time today, ran down my face and robe. I ran, ran towards freedom, towards the light and as ran my heart broke.