“An emperor with many stout castles and cunning generals must needs be afraid.”
In silence he gazed at me, clear grey eyes twinkling in merriment. This was another test, of course—a paradox I had to solve. Over and over again, he’d impressed on me that a ruler has to think, not just act. Did he perhaps mean that cunning generals might rebel and usurp my throne? Trust no-one, eh?
When I offered this interpretation, he gave me his “try harder” look. I shrugged helplessly.
“An emperor so endowed,” he said at last, “must indeed have many enemies. “
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Was this emperor an ancestor of D. Trump perhaps?
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Perhaps all emperors are
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Dear Neil,
An emperor should definitely watch his back. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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Turncoats within his ranks too, I imagine. Emperor beware.
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I foresee an unhappy reign
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At least there’s a spark of humour in the elder’s eyes. Then again, not so good. But, hey, the emperor gets to wear a really snazzy outfit for a day or two. Short but sweet, huh.
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Thanks so much, Jilly
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Nice descriptors, Neil. An entertaining parry of wits and mansplaining.
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Thanks so much, LIsa
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You’re very welcome.
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it must be a tough life indeed watching your back all the time.
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So it seems. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown
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Enjoyed this Neil – is he wearing his ‘new clothes’ perhaps? 😊
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Good question.
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Nicely told. Makes one think. Many enemies or much paranoia. Either way an emperor to be feared perhaps not loved.
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Thanks so much, Laurie
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Who can you trust? No wonder he needs so many castles. He may find that keeping the Generals wary of each other will distract them from plotting against him.
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Then who will keep the barbarians at bay?
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Emperors without enemies aren’t emperors!
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True. Probably best not to be an emperor
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The scarcity of trust at that level is probably mirrored throughout the various strata throughout his realm. Just maybe not so much to be coveted, and not so much to be lost. Nicely done, Neil.
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Thanks so much. Sandra
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I believe the quizzical one is rarely satisfied, and the emperor is correct to boil it all down to “trust no one.”
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Thanks, Brenda
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Makes you think, this one.
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Thanks so much, Dawn
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Beautifully writte.
I wonder how the boy made out: did he keep his crown, have a fatal accident, retire to a monastery? We need more!
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Thanks so much, Patrick. I suspect he lived a troubled and anxious life until it was brutally cut short
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