- Laith Taher 41
“I am fine,” Matthew answered before falling silent.
Trying to encourage the king to talk, the
commander asked, “What can I do for you, My Lord?”
The king replied, “I have decided to invade nearby
kingdoms and tribes. I want to reduce the taxes imposed on
my people, and invasion will provide us with enough
money to do so.”
The king paused as the commander looked at him
with respect, so the king added, “A strong king must invade
and expand his kingdom, and everyone must obey. I am an
ambitious king, and that is why I want to expand my
kingdom.
“I am also a fair king and conquering nearby lands
and kingdoms will bring justice and welfare for these lands.
“We will become stronger united than we are
separate. My kingdom will benefit from reduced taxes, and
so will the people of these kingdoms and lands. I am fair
and fairer than the rulers of these kingdoms and lands.”
The commander looked at the king with admiration
and respect as if he had been long waiting to hear those
words.
He said, “You talk like a great king, My Lord.
“Indeed, My Lord, you are the greatest of all
kings... I am with you on all that you aspire to achieve and I
shall help you achieve it. I loved King Kendrick with all
my heart and still do but I never shared his view of not
invading others.”