The Trials of Hallac- Part II: The Dead

Through the night, word spread
Passing from mouth to mouth, gossip
Heard by all with ears
Of the strange story
King Socestrian’s nephew told.
By sun’s first showing, all ears knew
That the castle doors were open
To all who would hear
The foreign prince speak.
The King’s great chamber,
Used for audiences daily,
And most often sparse
Holding few people,
Was this morning full,
Nearly to bursting,
By those wanting to listen to the stories of Hallac.
Courtiers were first,
Sitting on cushions,
Their silks embroidered,
Their hands not calloused,
Noses and chins high in the air,
Holding perfumed silk handkerchiefs.
Behind the nobles,
Peasants lined the walls,
Standing on their feet,
Wearing woolen clothes,
Rough and without ornament,
Their hair, hands, and manners more rough,
Though they waited just as silent.
Servants had Socestrian brought,
Laden each with food,
Fruits and softest breads,
Fine cheese and sliced meats.
And some carried wine,
Of good vintage but not too fine,
Or punches made of sweet juiced fruits.
Among not only the nobles
Did the servants walk,
But also to the commoners,
For all are equal before the King in his chamber–
Though the servants proffered trays to the nobility first–
After, of course, the King himself
And Hallac had wet their throats and filled their empty stomachs.
In his throne sat Socestrian,
Regal as should be,
Upon the dais
Raised five steps above
Where those others were.
A well-padded chair,
Soft and comfortable and fine
Sat near the high throne,
Meant for Prince Hallac,
But in it he did not sit down.

Said Socestrian,
“Now have all recovered themselves well
From the toils of yesternight’s tale,
And bid thee, nephew, do I, resume
Thy tale and recount thy awesome deeds
For those here who desire to listen.
When left we, thou were in water deep,
Afloat, just left the squid-whale’s gullet.
Continue thy adventuresome words,
Telling those gathered what hath happened
After that. Enlighten us all now.”