What Now?
Shang the Conqueror always took the messages alone. From all corners of his vast empire, messengers came with their news. Each time he heard their words, there were always two messengers there. Because Shang the Conqueror always killed one of them.
Tetuto had twice before delivered news to the mighty king. Twice he had watched as Shang took his blade and killed a man. Tetuto tried not to think about the faces of the men when they realized they were the ones to die that day.
Once more he stood before the haphazard throne of his master. This time, there was only one other messenger. Tetuto’s luck had run out.
Shang waved his hand. He was ready to hear from his empire. The deadly blade was there at his side. Tetuto could see his reflection in its well-oiled metal. The firelight coated him in red. At his side, the other messenger spoke his news.
Tetuto cursed himself for getting distracted. The other messenger smirked as he gave his news. They both knew that Shang was more likely to kill the messenger who gave him the news last.
When the other man had finished, Tetuto began. His voice wavered as he spoke his news. Shang stood up from his throne, heavy blade in his hand. Even as his death came forward, Tetuto delivered the news. He had wondered why the others who had died did the same. Now he knew why. There was a thin hope that if he gave the news the king wanted to hear, then his life would be spared.
Shang the Conqueror had reached the stairs, Tetuto’s life was not long. And then the mighty king missed the step and tripped, hitting his head hard on a table. Tetuto head his neck break as he fell.
The great king was dead.
Shang’s blood seeped out and stained the carpet. Shang had no children or relatives. His conquests would last no longer. Just like that, the most powerful man in the world was dead.
Tetuto’s voice faltered. It was over. He had lived. He looked over at the other messenger, who looked at him in stunned silence.
“What now?” Tetuto asked.
The other man shrugged. “We run, and hope everyone else is too busy to grab the throne to find the two messengers who managed to kill him.”
Tetuto looked over to the corpse. “Let’s put him on the throne. That should give us more time.”
The other man nodded. Together, they lifted the body of Shang the Conqueror and moved it to the throne. They sat him down and took a step back. At once he could see that it had been a mistake. Shang’s brow was caved in, blood covered his face. Their hands were coated in his blood.
The door opened and a pair of guards came in. They took one look at the pair of them. Swords came out.
Michael Frutig 