Westan nodded. "Yes. This prison is too terrible for words! I never knew anything could be this bad. I do not think it right to treat any kind of person this way, no matter how bad they are or their committed crimes!"
The man sighed with disapproval, but he nodded with compliance. “Very well, if that is what you wish.”
Westan nearly blushed at the man’s obvious annoyance. He knew very well that this may seem to be a foolish or naive thing to do, but this was his prison and these people were his prisoners, and he would do as he pleased! Besides, how could he even be sure that everyone here truly deserved a prison sentence? There may be many innocent people like Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson down here because of Zaccheus! And the thought of such a truth only made his heart ache.
After a moment Garret was ready to lead the way again, with two guards behind him and only eight behind Westan now. He followed the men slowly, looking at each person they passed with scrutiny. They all looked about the same though: scrawny, frightened, and covered head to toe in muck. He even saw children in some of the cells!
Did he know any of them? Had he been the one to send them down here? Oh how the people must view him! Truly, only a merciless and cruel person would allow such harsh treatment of people! Now he understood what Lila had meant before about scary rumors and such. Surely she knew what the consequences might have been for her actions, yet she went through with them anyway! How much braver he viewed her now.
Just then, as he was passing by a lone cell, one man suddenly caught Westan's eye and pulled him from his thoughts. He was an old and rugged looking man, just as skinny and dirty as the rest. But he was not up against the cells begging for help, or laying on the ground too weak to move. He was just sitting in the corner, almost calmly, staring at him with very thoughtful eyes. When Westan met his gaze he suddenly stood up, looking at him with a very intriguing and tender expression.
Westan wondered if he knew the man. He surely must, for his eyes betrayed a looked of familiarity. Had this man been a servant of his perhaps? He certainly did seem very familiar. However, Westan knew that he was too busy to stop right now. He would just have to remember this man later so he could properly investigate. So he turned away from the man and focused on following Garret closely. He had plenty of work to do when he returned to his chambers like making the dungeon livable, so he was anxious to get this confrontation over with.
When they came to the third floor of the dungeon, Westan noticed that there were not as many people in each cell. This seemed to be where only special prisoners or those who were to be executed were kept. Speaking of which, he would also have to make sure no more executions were carried out until each prisoner was truly proved guilty.
Just then, Westan could saw a group of about twenty guards in the distance standing around the last cell, a dim torchlight illuminating the area.
"Here we are. Be prepared." Garret warned him seriously.
Westan felt his breath catch, and his palms started to sweat. Now he wasn't so sure that he was ready to face his betrayer. Even though Zaccheus was his prisoner now, he still felt very nervous for some reason. Perhaps it was because this man had been the only person he had confided in and trusted for the past nine years of his life. Or maybe he worried sincere begging or apologizing might tempt him to have pity on the traitor who caused so much pain and suffering. Or more probable, Westan was just embarrassed because he had been so completely and easily deceived.
Eventually they reached the very last cell. When they did the guards took turns bowing at his presence, half continually keeping watch over Zaccheus at all times. Westan took a deep breath and braced himself as he walked over to view the cell. His betrayer sat chained to the dungeon wall, looking bruised all over. But he wore a wicked smile and almost looked to be expecting him.
"So, the King has decided to grace me with his grand presence?" He said with a dark chuckle.
Westan stared back at him calmly.
"I have come to punish you for all the wrongs you have done to both my people, and myself." He said.
The man smiled even wider. "So, the young brat is finally trying to act like a King!"
"And you are finally done being an imposter." He retorted.
Zacchaeus laughed loudly for a moment.
"I am glad you discovered me actually. It was so very tiresome to keep up my act all those years! I was sick of always having to treat you with fondness when I really just wanted you dead!" He said.
"SILENCE!" Garret shouted with his sword drawn.
Zaccheus did not appear the least bit worried by such threats, nor did he seem to regret his words. In fact, he even laughed some more.
Westan felt a terrible pang in his heat at his hurtful words. But he didn’t want to let this man have the satisfaction of upsetting him. So he took a small breath and tried to maintain a calm composure.
"So, do you have anything to say for yourself before punishment is announced?" Westan asked with his crossed arms and his head held high.
Suddenly Zaccheus’s grin turned into an angry frown.
"How dare you patronize me! You best kill me boy, or else I will escape and end your life with my very own hands!" He shouted with indignation.
Westan felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up, and Garret shifted nervously next to him as he gazed around the area for any sign of threat. But Westan could see that there was no confidence or arrogance in the man’s eyes, only a crazed look of desperation as he thrashed around angrily. In the end though he was just a criminal, one who was in no way repentant for his actions.
"Actually, I think I have a better idea on how to deal with you." Westan stated, not satisfied by the idea of simply ending the man's life.
"Oh really? You have come up with it all on your own?" Zaccheus taunted with a chuckle.
"Indeed." Westan replied, liking his idea more with each passing second.
"Well?" The man asked impatiently.
"You will just have to wait and find out when the time comes. Although, I think even you will find it fitting." Westan said with a confident smile.
Then he turned and walked away without another word. Garret and the accompanying guards followed him while the patrols stayed behind. Westan refused to give Zaccheus the satisfaction of knowing his fate. He wanted his betrayer to ponder over his unknown sentence anxiously, he wanted him to be consumed with worry and regret until he went mad!
"Do you truly have a better idea than an execution?" Garret asked him quietly.
"Indeed. But I will tell you later, in private." Westan whispered.
The man nodded with understanding. “Very wise sire.”
Just then Zaccheus called out after him in an effort to provoke some kind of answer.
"How dare you walk away from me like this! You ungrateful little brat!" He snapped.
Westan made no reply as he kept on walking. Garret looked ready to turn around and kill the man, but he restrained him. Westan did not want to give Zaccheus any kind of acknowledgment beyond this point, even a well-deserved punishment.
"You are not fit to sit on the throne, you never were! This Kingdom is better in the hands of a man like me than a spoiled child like you!" Zaccheus screamed after him angrily.
Westan took a deep breath to keep his nerves under control. He was not going to let this man get the better of him. He was in control now, not Zaccheus!
Garret reached the door to ascend the dungeon, and Westan followed him through. But just as the door was being closed, his betrayer made one last attempt to taunt him.
"You father and mother begged for mercy when I killed them and your uncle watched it all helplessly! Then with your permission, I had him killed too! You are the reason they are all dead! EVERYTHING IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" The man shouted.
Westan came to a startled halt on the steps. Such horrible images flooded his mind, and the worst guilt he had ever felt washed over him. He so suddenly felt breathless and crushed.
"One of you go and make sure that s
nake gets a good beating!" Garret snapped to one of the men accompanying them.
Westan knew such actions would not make any difference now, Zaccheus had already accomplished exactly what he had wanted. Yes, the thought of his strong father and kind mother begging for their lives, and then his innocent uncle being framed for such a crime after having watched it all hopelessly was something that would torment his mind forever. And on top of all that, he had been the one to allow and even approve of his execution!
"Why? Why could I not have known?" Westan asked aloud with anger.
He was such a stupid fool! Westan had been the one to let a wicked man like Zaccheus completely take over his kingdom out of pure selfishness! As a prince he had always lived a sheltered life, and only ever thought about getting what he wanted whenever he wanted it. He never once thought to care about his people! Everyone would probably be better off if someone else was ruling instead of him right now.
"My Lord, do not listen to that traitorous man! He is nothing more than a deceitful cretin." Garret said.
"But what he says is true! I did give permission for him to execute my own uncle, then Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson! Who knows how many other innocent people I have punished ignorantly!" Westan snapped.
The man shook his head. "We all make mistakes, but dwelling on them will do little good."
Westan pushed him away. "I do not care what you have to say! I just do not want to be King anymore! I am leaving this castle and this life, forever!"
Garret suddenly looked at him in shock. "My Lord, please calm your-"
"Do not call me that! Never again must anyone address me with such titles!" He commanded.
The man looked very concerned, but he bowed in obedience.
"And stop bowing to me! I just want to be treated like a normal person from now on and not as the King!" Westan snapped with frustration.
Garret looked extremely confused by his behavior and was unsure how to react. The other guards also began glancing at one another awkwardly.
Westan felt his desperation increasing. They were never going to understand! And they were never going to treat him the way that he wanted! His only answer was to somehow leave this place, to run away from everything and start a new life!
Yes! Westan would escape the castle and let someone else could and take his place as King. It was a perfect idea actually! All he had to do was wait until late at night, then he would use a long rope to climb down his chamber’s window and go out to the village. From there maybe he could ask Lila for some hel-
Just then Westan was reminded of the first time he met Lila. She was just a lowly cleaning servant, one who did her work with great pride. But surely a smart and brave girl like her wanted, and even deserved a better life than she lived. And what of Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson? They had been forced to come and work for him, but they never once complained about their positions!
Westan stood there, thinking deeply for a moment. Although he didn't like it, he was the King and it was his duty to run the country and make sure the people and land were cared for. For the past nine years he had neglected it out of resentment, and now he was planning to do the same out of fear. But such selfish thinking is what led to Zaccheus being able to rule in the first place! If Westan ran away now who was to say whether or not it would happen again? Would the person who replaced him feel the way he did about changing the dungeon and making sure all the people down there received justice? Would that person care about servants like Lila, Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson? There was no way Westan could be sure of such things! Unless of course he saw to them himself. Besides this, deep down he knew that his parents would want him to rule their kingdom like his father had, even if he could never be as good of a King.
Westan shook his head clear and took a deep breath. He was not perfect, but he supposed he should still try his best, at least for the sake of his parents, and all the people who have suffered due to his neglect. He truly wanted to make sure nothing like this ever happened again.
Westan turned back to Garret with a laugh.
"Please, forgive my outburst a moment ago. I suppose I am just feeling a little overwhelmed and tired." He said.
The man let out a very relieved sigh.
"Nothing to apologize for sire! Let us return you to your chambers so that you may rest." He said.
Westan nodded. He would just have to swallow his sorrows for the time being it seemed.
Chapter 13- New Discoveries
Lila took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She was sitting out on the balcony, watching the far-off sunset. It was a very lovely view from up on the castle’s second floor. From here she could see the light from the sun bathing the garden below, and even the snow covered mountains in the distance. She was truly in awe of such beauty. It was so calming to watch, and after a while she found herself feeling less tense about her situation.
Lila supposed instead of complaining about her stay here that she should just enjoy the reprieve and be grateful. She was experiencing many grand luxuries that she never would have been able to imagine even in all her wildest dreams. Although her restrictions were irritating, Lila had to honestly admit that her staying there wasn't all that bad. The servants had been treating her very well, even Dita. Besides, she understood the King had many things to take care of now that Zaccheus had betrayed him. And since she had sent home the money Bartholomew had given her before she need not worry about her father.
Lila would try to be more patient. Hopefully her stay here was sure not be too much longer, but even if it was she knew that the King would be sure to summon her as soon as he could. Then when she returned home to see her father, she would kiss his forehead and tell him how sorry she was for ever leaving and worrying him. Indeed, such thoughts gave her the strength to endure whatever may come.
******
Garret was leading the way back up the dungeon, and Westan was following behind him slowly, still quite lost in thought. He was pondering over all the improvements to the kingdom he wanted to make. He had come up with many good ideas and hoped that he would indeed be able to implement them. He no longer wanted people to be afraid of him! He wanted to be someone they could trust and be proud of. Yes, he wanted to be able to protect and care for all his kingdom's people, like his father before him had! Though it would probably take a considerable amount of time to undo all the damage Zaccheus had caused. Luckily though he had people like Lila and Garret who were still trustworthy. With their help he knew success was possible.
Eventually they reached the first floor and Westan took one last look around. He could see the guards had indeed brought them food and blankets. But the people all still looked quite frightened and miserable. Westan supposed he was just a spoiled brat for complaining about his royal all the time. He really needed to focus on helping other people who were in dire situations like this instead of his own problems.
Just then, as he was on his way out, Westan caught sight of the man from earlier, the one whom he seemed to recognize but not recall completely. He in turn just stared back at him again with eyes that spoke to Westan in a strange way. This time he was far too curious to ignore such a peculiar feeling. So he stopped Garret and had the guards clear a way to the man’s cell.
The man watched as Westan slowly approached him, making sure not to get too close to the bars. The man gazed at him with kind and probing eyes, but he kept his distance and bowed in greeting.
"Who are you sir?" Westan asked curiously.
"Greetings my King! It is good to see you." He said with a small grin.
Westan was stunned for a moment. So they did know each other!
"Is that so?" He said, still not remembering his face.
The man smiled gently. "I am very glad to see you are doing well. You have grown quite tall I see."
Westan was in all astonishment. Just how long had it been since they had seen one another? And just how did they know each other again?
"Tell me who you are sir." Westan said again, overco
me with curiosity.
The man’s face suddenly grew troubled, and he did not answer. But somehow, he was seeming even more familiar to Westan.
"What is your name?" He demanded a third time.
The man shook his head. “Please do not inquire of such things, for I am of no consequence to you my Lord.”
Westan folded his arms and came closer to the bars.
“I will inquire of whatever I so please, and I will decide what is of consequence to me. Now I demand you disclose your identity to me this instant!” He declared impatiently.
To his great surprise the man cracked a smile, in fact he almost laughed. Westan could see this man had a fondness for him, but he still could not seek to remember him at all! Was he perhaps a servant whom he had known as a child?
“Please good sir, rest assured you shall not be harmed any further for whatever you have been sentenced for. And if I ever dealt cruelly with you in the past I do apologize.” Westan said quietly.
The prisoner looked extremely surprised by his words, and his large brown eyes immediately betrayed a deep concern.
“My King you need not apologize, you have done nothing to injure me!” He assured.
Westan was in shock. Just who was this man and what was he doing down here?
“Then tell me who you are! I cannot be put as ease until I know your name!” He shouted.
The man sighed and shook his head with defeat. Then after a long moment he spoke up again.
“Very well. Although I fear you will not be put at ease.” He said.
Westan frowned. How could he possibly know that?
“Do not worry; I swear that you have nothing to fear by giving me your name.” He assured seriously.
The man smiled slightly. “Well, my name is sure to be an easy one for you, since it is the same as yours.”
Westan was confused for a moment. A name the same as his? Did he mean Westan? But that was actually his Uncle’s namesake and had been chosen by his father at birth, and over the years he had never known anyone else to have that name, especially not a servant! Yet this dirty prisoner, he also had that name? But how could that be?
A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story Page 17
