Chapter 40

    "Didn't I tell you never to return here?"

            Anton opened his eyes.  His hands were bound together and he was hanging from a chain from the ceiling.  They were in a tiny, dimly lit room.  It had dungeon written all over it.

Standing before him was his least favourite person in the world.

            "Hello Bastion," said Anton, "Long time no see.  Not long enough sadly."

            Bastion was holding his royal sceptre and he prodded Anton roughly in his exposed stomach.

            "Don't you get smart with me.  I am the King!"

            Anton said nothing but just looked Bastion in the eyes.  The King could not match his steady gaze.

            "Remember that time I saved your dearly beloved Maruska, and you promised to never return to Firgenduke to see her?  I thought you were a man of your word Anton.  I saddens me to see that you have no honour.  Did you not promise never to come back?"

            "I did," said Anton, "My wife was turned to stone and Maruska might be her only hope.  I promise to leave as soon as I have spoken to her."

            "Your promises are worthless, Anton DiManlen," said King Bastion. "Also, do you remember what I said I would do to you, if you ever returned?"

            Once again Anton remained silent.

            "Let me remind you," said Bastion.

            The King used his sceptre and traced a line, slowly and deliberately across Anton's neck.

            "Goodbye, Anton DiManlen," said Bastion, "Long have I loathed you.  Like a long splinter that Is stuck in your foot that you just cant get out completely.  But today that will end and I will be rid of you.  And Maruska will be entirely mine.”

            And with that, the King left the little dungeon, leaving Anton hanging by his arms from the ceiling.