Breaking the law

The onlookers were shocked after hearing what the executioner said about Lord Irvington. He wasn't the first Lord in Denver who broke the law but no one would have expected that from him because the man seemed like a responsible and genuine person. Unfortunately for him, he was going to pay for his crimes any minute now. Father Roberts was also present at the square. Being the highest spiritual leader in Denver, he had to be present. Also, sometimes he was the one who gives the punishment to offenders and if Sebastian is fine with the punishment, he'd let it be but if he isn't, he gives his own orders on what should be done to the offender. In this case, Lord Irvington didn't know what was coming for him.

After the executioner stated Lord Irvington's crimes, it was now the turn of Father Roberts to state his punishment. The old Bishop stood up from his chair and said "The crimes committed by Lord Irvington is both wickedness to man and to God. His disobedience by taking those innocent women for himself and friends is against the king's orders, it is considered treason and ripping the villagers in Irvington of their right by claiming all the harvest for himself is an act of wickedness and he will be punished by being boiled in oil".

Immediately, an uproar came from the crowd. Some in support of the kind of punishment that Lord Irvington was going to get and some against it. Lord Irvington who had just heard what was going to happen to him was recklessly pulling on the chains with which he was bound with. Trying to move closer to where the king was seated. "No, no, please. Father Roberts please, Your majesty please". He kept on pleading and pulling on the chains but the prison wardens that held him pulled the chain harshly as a sign for Lord Irvington to stop his aggressive movement but Sebastian didn't spare Lord Irvington a glance. Father Roberts had returned to his seat and saw the way Lord Irvington was pleading and felt pity for him. Though he pitied him, he was not going to take back the punishment. "May the Lord have mercy on your soul" Father Roberts said before turning his face away from the man.

The noise and murmurs from the people was getting irritating in Sebastian's ears and he decided to bring a twist. A twist that would please him and silent the crowd momentarily.  He called on the executioner and the man walked closer to the king and Sebastian gestured him to bend down and lean closer. Sebastian told the man something in his ear and Lord Irvington who was hoping that his plea had gotten to the heart of the king was left dumbstruck after he heard the next words that spouted from the executioner's mouth after the king spoke to him.

"The king has made changes to Irvington's punishment" The executioner said. He didn't address Lord Irvington as Lord Irvington but as Irvington because obviously that title "Lord" has already been ripped from him. So were the lands which he owned. Hearing that the king made changes, the crowd quieted down to listen.

"The king decided to let Irvington live but on a few conditions. All his lands will be handed over to the crown, he would be flogged and also, a part of his.." The executioner felt the word stuck in his throat. He was surprised the king choose this kind of punishment. He turned around slightly to look at the king and Sebastian gestured him to continue. Facing the crowd again, the executioner continued "A part of his manhood would be cut off". A satisfying smile was plastered on Sebastian's face after the executioner completed the statement.

Benjamin glanced at Sebastian and was wondering what kind of insane things went through the mind of the king. If Irvington bleeds out after a part of his manhood us cut off, he would still die so there was no much difference between being boiled in oil and this punishment. He knew Sebastian did this just for his amusement.

"Serves him right!", "I didn't expect that", "He deserves whatever punishment is given to him. I mean, he made the villagers in Irvington consult witches!", "He could have been boiled in oil". The people murmured and gossiped between themselves.

The executioner took up an iron whip that had little pointy objects like thorns on them, leaving only the handle as the only safe place to hold the whip. Lord Irvington burst out crying after hearing that a part of his manhood would be cut off. He now wished he could boiled in oil instead. The prison wardens pulled him and tied him to a wooden stud, waiting for the executioner to start giving him lashes. The executioner felt no pity for Irvington as he walked closer him.

"Next time, you won't break the law" he said in a mocking tone with a sick smile on his face.