King Joachim stood anxiously before the Bridge of Life considering his next move. The narrow and slippery bridge, made of shiny crystal, is 180 meters long and led to his final stop, the Hall of the Gods. Only the truly righteous men may safely cross it and join their Creators, while sinning souls fall below into the abyss. He reflected on his life’s deeds and was filled with fear. The King recalled the deaths of hundreds of workers during the construction process of the Kingdom’s famous canal. However, the canal enabled the taxation of vessels passing through it, significantly enriching the Kingdom, and contributed to its people’s welfare. Then, he remembered his bloody war against the northern tribes, which resulted in the massacre of thousands of tribesmen. But on the other hand, upon the cessation of hostilities, a new trade route was opened to the Northern Kingdoms that brought prosperity to the people. All of a sudden, he heard a raspy voice behind him asking: ”are you going to pass?” King Joachim hesitated, so the rugged man, a lifelong carpenter, forced his way toward the bridge rubbing his shoulder against the king’s. The latter looked astonished when he witnessed the carpenter crossing the bridge and saving his soul. Filled with renewed optimism he was about to cross. He remembered the majestic temple that he built in the capital to honor the gods. Surely, they cannot ignore this generous act. But when he remembered the cost of the structure, namely hundreds of lives of poor labourers, he froze on the spot. Suddenly, another scary thought snuck into his head, his unlawful marriage with his brother’s wife, whom he sent to the frontlines of the war against the Eastern Kingdoms, which led to his demise. Nonetheless, their son, a highly successful general who donates fortunes to the construction of temples to honor the gods and to the poor, is surely part of the gods’ bigger plan. Upon finishing this though, he felt the growing pressure from the people behind him wishing to cross the bridge. The time has come, he gathered all of his strength and made his first step...
Sue Clayton
2/1/2021 05:40:09 am
Great story and well told, Asaf. I don't think he would've made it across the bridge though.
Shelley K Nelson
9/1/2021 02:17:39 am
Wonderful cliffhanger, allowing the reader to decide the king's fate. I felt some mythological undertones throughout this flash piece. I like how he is torn regarding his misdeeds. Something many leaders don't give a second thought to. Comments are closed.
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