Punishment

The old law said: "Those who speak the sentencing must carry out the punishment."

A cold breeze blows into your face, as you check the fit of your gloves. A raven sits on a nearby ledge, staring at the small circle that has assembled in teh cell. "Do what you must", Jermon mutters, "You are beyond help, my son." You pay his words no heed, and draw the sword that has been delivered to you for the purpose of this meeting. The prison had been build in a manner that certain cells were carved out of the face of the cliff, a few metal bars preventing the prisoner from escaping by climbing down the cliff while exposing him to wind and elements.

The headsman had brough a chopping block, of which you were certain had been used for the chopping of wood lately, and not of heads. No matter.

The process had been quick, only the closest members of your council attended. No word was spoken about the fact that the swine had fornicated with your wife, no. Treason. That was it. All eyes were on you. They watched from a distance as you lifted the sword and let it fall.

The raven croaked his wailing call and fluttered away.

The deed was done. A head was rolling. One.

You took the cloth and cleaned the blade before returning it to the henchman, who nodded and bowed. The councilmembers retreated to their chambers to think about the matter for themselves. It was getting dark outside rather quickly. You nodded to your guards, the four most trusted ones, and left.

You make your way back to the baths, where your wife was waiting. Amidst the candlelight and the heavy, damp heat of the bath house, she was quite a sight. "My dear, I have expected you..." she purred and slowly turned around, giving a good sight of her assets. Your personal guard take their positions next to the doorway, their faces hidden behind heavy visors as usual. Yet their eyes roam your wifes courves.

Getting up in the baths, she gropes her heavy breasts, letting a hand trail over her smooth skin and down between her legs, her hips swaying seductively. "Would you mind joining me in the baths, my dear husband? I'd love to give you a massage, your highness."

For a moment you feel the strange pull of her voice and appearance, yet it is gone in a matter of an instance. The succubus eyes widened as she noticed your hesitation and the percise movement of your guards.

The bolts bit into her perfect flesh, letting red blossoms flower on her chest, abdomen and throat. Screetching, she made her way towards you, her eyes filled with rage, only to be stopped and staggered by each new bolt impacting her.

As she fell, she fell silent, dead by the time she reached the floor of the bathhouse. Numbed, you stood there for a while, until one of your bodyguards pat you on the shoulder. "You alright, my King. The sorceress is dead." At least, for now. "Search the palace for Lady Vessa. Everywhere. I will alert the guards." you croacked. It was done, finally. And slowly, you regained your senses as you walked towards the nearest guard to alert him and all the others about the search. As if a veil was lifted from you, you begin to remember all the bad deeds that you did and were complicit in.