Parting of Ways: A Tale of Greed
Trellis and Tubor stood on the ancient council’s rotunda. “Why must you be so unreasonable?” said Tubor.
“You have always been in a hurry. Slow down, or you will race through life with nothing to show at its finish,” remarked his former teacher.
“So smug, I’ve always hated that about you. The wise and remarkable Trellis. Only fools believe your fairytales, old man,” said Tubor.
“I see there is no reasoning with you, sighedTrellis.
“Reason, I have forgotten more than you ever knew, and I will show everyone just how small you are,” spat the young man.
“Take this. It’s what you seek, but remember you will be judged harshly, as was I,” said Trellis, handing over the council’s seal.
“Huh, now you will see how power is wielded,” Tubor said with a smirk.
Trellis decided he was overdue for a trip to the mountains and well-deserved rest, so he packed a bag and left without telling anyone where he was heading.
“More wine, my good man, and may I have some of your aged goat cheese as well?” asked Trellis.
“Your wine, sir. I’m afraid we are all out of cheese. Can I bring you some fruit, perhaps?” inquired the waiter.
No cheese. Why this is preposterous,” remarked the statesman.
“Yes, it appears that the new pro-council has started a war with Muldavia, stopping the cheese from reaching us,” the waiter replied.
“Tubor, you fool, what have you done? Please have my bag brought to me. I must get back to the city urgently,” said Trellis.
As the old man approached the city’s edge, bodies lay strewn across the road while burning buildings could be seen through the city.
As Trellis entered the city, the horror grew as women and children lay motionless in doorways. Out of the shadows rushed a wild-eyed man.
“Pro-Council Trellis, you have come to save us,” cried the disheveled man.
“I will do what I can. Where is Pro-Council Tubor,” asked Trellis.
“Dead. Killed by General Targ’s men when the Muldavians entered the city,” said the man.
Trellis walked to the council chambers, where the Moldavian high rector greeted him. “Trellis, my old and trusted friend, please forgive what our forces have done to your lovely city; we had no choice.”
“Juno, you are honorable and have always spoken the truth. If you burned the city out of need, I would stand next to you at any tribunal,” replied Trellis.
“How do we fix this? Moldavia and Clovis need each other as strong partners to prevent the Haroks from invading our lands,” said Juno.
“Gather your commanders, and I shall choose a new privy council. We shall meet here in the morning and draft a new protection pact. If you can send a wagon load of bread and wine so the people of Clovis may celebrate our renewed bonds,” said the statesman.
After bidding his friend goodbye, Trellis went and found Tubor’s body in the town center. “Shall we cut it down, Pro-Council?” asked the general.
“No, Tiberius, we will leave it as a symbol for those who prioritize personal gain over the protection of the people,” replied the old man.
The following morning, the Muldavians arrived with gifts fitting a tribute to a victor.
“People of Clovis, these gifts are in honor of Pro-Council Trellis, who put Muldavia’s friendship and protection first for fifty years. His wisdom and care made both cities prosper. Let this be a lesson to tyrants like Tubor. The only way peace is secured for all is through friendship,” said Juno, and then he bowed to Trellis.
“Thank you, my friend. We are indebted to you and your people,” remarked Trellis, then he held up Juno’s arm and called for cheers, which came loud and long.
If you should ever go to Clovis, be sure to visit the city’s center, where the bleached bones of the tyrant Tubor still hang as a reminder that greed always leads to a violent end one way or another.
For More Fun Visit:
Folksburywoods Story Blog 
Leave a comment