Esther: In the audience at the execution

It was now midday the following day. Esther and Evereena were sitting on the ground, ten metres out from the raised platform that would be used to execute Aragon. They were bleary-eyed and fuzzy from lack of sleep.

Evereena tried to stand up and wave to the Misfits on the other side of the crowd, but the guard standing over them grabbed her shoulders and pushed her down again.

"Stay down and shut up!" he said.

Both Esther and Evereena obediently shut up and were quiet.

I hope he didn't hurt her shoulders.

Esther held Evereena's hand.

And now Aragon is being led onto the stage.

Oh, shit, he looks horrible.

Dark smudges were under his eyes, stress lines creased his face, and he slightly staggered from being pushed across the platform.

He is drunk, just like the occasional blue-collar I have seen. Although, once a green collar sees them, they don't remain drunk for very long.

So, is this where I make a vow?

I suppose so.

I've got to make it as strong as possible. So, if I got the idea right, I have to make the maximum commitment possible.

She took a deep breath.

This is scary. Everyone is going to know it. And I still haven't worked out what exactly I feel.

Never mind. Just do it.

Voice of the World, I make this public vow: I pledge myself to Aragon - ah, I mean, I pledge to be his committed friend for the rest of our lives - ah, but the sex part, I don't know, so, I suppose I promise, if I ever voluntary consent to any sex stuff, it will only be with Aragon - but never to anyone else - oh, but only if he wants to, of course. I mean, I wouldn't want to prevent him from having sex - or, I suppose, romance? - with other people if he wants to. But, anyway, ah, what else do I say? - Voice of the World, is this sufficient?

Ding! Sure is! The Voice of the World will take it from here...

I wonder what have I just done?

The Treasurer:

The Treasurer was, very reluctantly, also up on the stage. However, he had contrived to be at the very back of the small group of officials.

Yep, Eleanor is also up here with us ever-so-important people. Hmm, did she deliberately position herself at the very front?

But she can't do anything anyway.

He watched with morbid curiosity as Aragon was forcibly pushed down on his knees in front of the garrotting post. He was pointing out towards the crowd, with the post behind him. The executioner looped a length of rope around his neck, then placed the two ends through a hole in the post. These ends were tied together, and a stick was inserted into the loop.

Ugh, what a nasty way to die, being slowly suffocated as the executioner turns the stick.

Aragon sure looks terrible; I suppose getting him drunk was a good idea; it prevents him from being too stressed out. Hopefully.

The Treasurer looked up at the crowd.

There is plenty of disquiet, but it doesn't look like anyone will complain.

So, I suppose the King killing an innocent man to demonstrate his total rule might be working after all.

Whatever. I'll stay in the back.

Aragon:

He was painfully aware of the rope around his neck. It was rough, and little prickly fibres stuck out and scratched his neck.

He kept his eyes down, ashamed and embarrassed at the idea of meeting anybody's eyes, especially anyone he knew.

Also, the light from the sun was stabbing his eyes; he had a throbbing headache, and all his joints ached.

Getting killed while having a killer hangover - just my luck.

I wish I could have another drink or two now; then, I could ride this out without thinking about Tanya again.

I spent my entire adult life running away from thinking about her, but I did nothing but think about her. What a mess.

And what's worse is that I'm starting to confuse Tanya's face with Esther's.

Could I have ever gotten together with Esther? Would it work out? Would she have ever wanted me?

I'll never know. It's all so hopeless.

And this horrible fuzzy hangover feeling, I can't even think straight. But why would I, anyway?

Ding! Remember, Aragon, you swore a 100% vow to look after Esther and Evereena. This defeatist attitude will do nothing to help them. Accordingly, you have been granted an extra ability: [Never Get Drunk Again]. This gives immunity toward intoxication from all drugs, Max strength.

How the fuck hell am I supposed to do anything when I'm about to be executed...

At this point, his brand-new immunity ability kicked in. Across the span of several seconds, he became stone-cold sober. His eyes adjusted to the sunlight, his headache disappeared, and his mind cleared.

Oh fucking bloody hell, now I'm going to be executed fully sober and aware of everything!

Ding! Esther has made a public vow, 100% strength. I pledge myself, my heart and my body exclusively to Aragon for the rest of my life. I only ask that Aragon respects my lack of experience in romance and slows himself to my pace.

This message has been sent to everyone in Manifestoria.

Aragon jerked up his head and managed to look in the precise direction to meet Esther's gaze.

She does want me.

Tanya, is this OK with you?

I hope so.

He felt tears in his eyes.

I should make a vow back - wait, shit, I've been a stupid fool!

I need to make a vow to the orphans!

There's no need for an extra special vow to Esther now; the ones I've already made are sufficient.

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Voice of the World! I make this vow!

Ding! Aragon has made a public vow of 100% strength. I will look after Mason, Becky, Esther, and Evereena to the extent that they want me to do so, to the limit of my powers, including my life, and will do so for as long as I live.

This message has been sent to everyone in Manifestoria.

Aragon's and Esther's gazes were locked together; they ignored everyone else.

Everyone else was excitedly looking around and starting to talk to each other. Some even pointed to the stage; in particular, they pointed to the King...

The natives were getting restless.

Eleanor:

Eleanor had been watching carefully. Of course, she had her [Emotional Control] on full. So she was calm and collected. And calculating.

Aragon suffered almost as much as I did, way back then. There is no way that he would harm a slave with an inactive slave collar. He is perfectly innocent.

If I don't act now, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. Which, with the slaver menace, probably won't be all that long.

But - can I? I've never done anything like this before.

But if I don't, Aragon dies. And Kalitran gets to keep on being an utter arsehole. Who knows how much pain he might cause in the future?

And what if I try and I fail? I'm just an insignificant woman of no particular practical abilities, totally alone.

Well, that's no longer entirely true, is it?

The Misfits have certainly provided some dramatic company.

And then there's Lena. That colourless lady is not so colourless after all, is she?

What will she think of me? If I succeed or fail, will I lose her friendship? The first one in a decade, the first time in a decade I'm worried about someone else's opinion.

What can I do? Should I? But Aragon's life is on the line. Damnation!

Just then, Ester made her vow, followed by Aragon's.

Wow, he finally did the obvious and vowed to protect the orphans. He still needed a big, massive hint from Esther, though. And did Aragon suddenly perk up and become sober - how is that possible? - ah, some Voice of the World action.

Kalitran:

It had all been going so well. Aragon was drunk and not thinking about taking any counteractions; the public was quiescent, or at least quiescent enough; the guards carried out his orders, and even Eleanor looked suitably cowed.

And then, Esther and Aragon gave two 100% vows. And Aragon became fully alert and aware.

What the fuck are these 100% vows? And how is Esther giving one? Aren't slaves incapable of giving vows? And Aragon pledges to protect the orphans!

Now, no one will believe that he might harm them. But that's not of any importance. They all know he's innocent. If I can keep everything under control, I can still proceed. Once Aragon's dead, the public will have no choice but to accept my will. After all, if they don't, they will have to take on the burden themselves of being responsible for his death. They will never make that choice; it's too hard.

Right, let's get going!

Wait, why is Eleanor looking determined?

Lena:

Hey, I don't need to produce a hint for Aragon. Esther, bless her little soul, has done it for me.

Unlike me and Eleanor, she has no problems with being excited by a man.

So, maybe I don't need to make any vows...

So, why am I feeling a bit out of sorts about this...

Do I want to make that vow, anyway?

Eleanor looks like she might be going to do something. Perhaps. But what can she do...

Lena saw Eleanor step forward slightly, square off her stance, and turn to Kalitran. And Kalitran also straightened himself and looked as if he was going to do something.

She's hesitant. Unsure of herself? But, if I encourage her and she fails, she could get killed.

But if she does nothing, Aragon gets killed. And both Eleanor and I have to live with the doubts about what might have been.

Oh, hell.

Fine, then, OK. I'll make my choice. Damn it all.

Ding! You have made a private vow, 100% strength, to Eleanor. I pledge my friendship to you, forever, no matter what happens. If you ever need me, I shall be there beside you. Good luck.

Eleanor:

What! Lena has made a vow to me? Friendship for the rest of our lives?

Wow, just wow. No matter what I do now, I won't lose her friendship. Unless, of course, I die.

But never mind that!

Let's try to talk the King out of this!

She was about to start when:

Ding! The Voice of the World has granted you the ability [Address the Public]. No matter what the conditions are, how big the crowd is, or how noisy it is, your voice will be heard if you will it.

No kidding. The Misfits' 'It's all bullshit' theory must be correct, after all.

She met the King's eye.

"King Kalitran! It is now obvious that Aragon is not guilty. So, why not let him go? He will continue to be a loyal guard and continue to protect the slaves under our care."

Her voice carried out over the crowd. Despite the slowly rising noise from the people talking to each other and the guards starting to shout to keep control, everyone heard it perfectly.

"And, of course, we can watch how Aragon and Esther’s relationship works out. After all, everybody loves a good romance, don't they?"

This produced a burst of laughter from the crowd and a grimace from Kalitran.

Kalitran:

That useless bitch of a woman!

How dare she contradict me like that!

But I'm losing the crowd. The guards are getting second thoughts. It is apparent to all that Aragon can only be innocent.

Can I back out?

I can't. I'll lose face. Everyone will see me as weak, being pushed around by a mere female.

I can't admit a mistake now; it will undo my work.

Shit!

Get this over with now! Then, I can deal with the consequences.

He looked at the executioner.

"Do it now!"

Eleanor promptly contradicted him: “Stay your hand; Aragon is innocent!"

The executioner, no doubt taking into consideration that Aragon was innocent, froze and took no action.

All the other guards within reach also stopped moving. They kept exchanging glances, but none were willing to make the first move.

Shit! I shall have to take out this annoying woman all by myself!

He materialised his long sword, tucked his tail behind his legs, and stepped forward.

Only to be shocked when Eleanor also materialised a weapon.

Does she have a knife? What does she think she can do against a sword - oh shit - it’s a throwing knife!

He stopped still, sword held in front of him. She was also still, her tail and ears tucked down and behind, her throwing knife ready for action.

The guards were still wavering, but since no one was prepared to be the first to take action, no one did.

The public crowd were dead silent, just waiting. After all, the purpose of the King's actions was to make the public passive and willing to let the King make the tough choices. So, that's what they did.

Eleanor:

Maintain control over myself.

I still can't bring myself to kill him outright.

So, how about I make some vows? With the Voice's current bullshit, they will probably all be 100%.

Ding! Eleanor has made a public vow, 100% strength. If Kalitran abdicates, I, as queen, promise to let him and all of the guards who supported his plans go. They may leave this land without repercussions.

This message has been sent to everyone in Manifestoria.

Ding! Eleanor of Manifestoria has made a public vow of 100% strength. If Kalitran abdicates, I, as queen, will dedicate my life to reigning over Manifestoria to the best of my abilities. I will pledge to make the welfare of my people my number one priority. I will commit to always residing here and never permanently moving out, even if the slavers do come. I will personally take part, whenever practical, in any fights for our country and, beyond that, any fights for the benefit of all non-slaves in our world.

This message has been sent to everyone in Manifestoria, to all officials in every country within a thousand kilometres of the slaver countries, and to the slaver emperor.

She almost giggled.

Yep, 100% bullshit. And, have I just stirred up the entire slaver nation?

But she did not remove her eyes from Kalitran. Who suddenly looked furious.

He raised his sword and lunged towards her.

Eleanor flicked her arm, and her knife flew towards him.

The knife went past the sword and into his neck. The sword continued downwards, but Eleanor managed to rotate her body and move aside.

The sword clattered onto the ground, followed shortly after by Kalitran's body, and then the sword vanished.

Total silence.

Kalitran still looks angry, even in his death.

Just as well I have [Emotional Control].

Worry about such things later.

"My first action as queen is to order Aragon's release."

She looked at the executioner with a meaningful look. He looked at Kalitran's body for a moment,then he removed the cord from around Aragon’s neck. Then he stepped back as if to indicate he didn't have anything more to do with the proceedings.

Eleanor bent over, grabbed Aragon's arm, and dragged him up. Aragon managed to stand with only a tiny amount of wobbling.

And Eleanor had a thought: Esther must have pushed herself to a remarkable extent to make that vow, so the least Aragon can do is to make a vow back. I'll give him a bit of a nudge...

Under the guise of still supporting him, she brought her face close to his head, then whispered.

"Aragon. Esther was kind enough to make a vow to you and commit herself to you, to give you a hint about making a vow to the orphans. So, why not make a similar vow back to her?"

Aragon:

Am I sure beyond all doubt that I want to commit myself to Esther for the rest of my life...

He looked at the dead body of the previous King, then looked back to Eleanor's face. There was a definite smile there- maybe not a totally friendly smile, but nonetheless.

All things considered, like, for example, I'm still alive, I think I do.

Ding! Aragon has made a vow of 100% strength. I pledge myself, my heart and my body exclusively to Esther for the rest of my life. I will respect Esther's boundaries and will proceed at her pace.

This message has been sent to everyone in Manifestoria.

Well, I've done it now.

So, I guess Tanya can't complain?

And does Eleanor look a bit smug and self-satisfied?