The festival

Now dressed in elegant golden clothes, I felt like I could do anything. I could still feel the wound closing in my abdomen, but it didn’t denture me. Stepping out, I can hear the crowds starting to hustle around, but I don’t know where they are. So, I walk around mostly aimlessly; I finally find myself in a strange place. It seems to be the throne room. A golden throne accents the beautiful ruby room, but the pictures of the former kings overshadow even its majesty. They're just looking down at me. I stand in awe of this place, the chandlers, lights, and all the inspiring artwork. I stop just in front of the throne, and I begin to realize the metallurgy in the chair.

As I am, I realize that there are scuffs and cuts in the chair. But they don’t seem to interrupt the smooth curves and embellishments in its design.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” I hear the King's voice behind me.

I turn to see him there hunched over on his cane.

“It sure is,” I answer softly.