Harkin's Rebellion In 'Don T Sweat'
The rebellion against the tyrant Harkin’s brutal regime has come to an end. The rebels and I had won the war after six long and bloody years. But at what cost did it charge us? Tens of thousands of our people either lay dead or wounded, hundreds of thousands more are homeless, entire cities have been destroyed in the process, and large amounts of farmland were rendered infertile by the rivers of the blood that were shed. I had personally lost my entire family to that man’s insatiable madness and bloodlust. The rebellion had been fighting a losing battle for well over five years before Harkin would make a mistake that would cost him his position. Harkin discovered our main base was centered in the city of Izule, so Harkin burned it to the ground and took the remaining survivors, my family included, back to the capital of the country. There Harkin learned that I, his former High Captain, was leading one of the more successful
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rebel movements. Harkin then imprisoned my family and had them publicly tortured and finally executed in the most horrible of fashions. All in the hopes of bringing me out of hiding. After three days of his showings he then told the world of his actions against my family. Harkin’s vile action caused one man to commit himself to ridding the world of yet another mad, bloodthirsty ruler. That man, Rodger Hellblade, was the king of the nation with the largest, most experienced armed forces, the Baracki Kingdom and also one of the deadliest men of the world. Rodger decided to send one of his most experienced armies, the 5th Royal Army, to exterminate the pest and even worse was his decision to travel with the army to personally kill Harkin. Rodger arrived three months ago and in those three months, he and his army was responsible for the destruction of no less than two cities loyal to Harkin, the obliteration of three field armies of roughly three million men apiece, and the capture of Sirena, the most secure city in the Empire, in less than a month. And Rodger now awaits my presence for my wedding and coronation. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself the soon to be Emperor of my country. Emperor of the Sirenian Empire. A big step from when I had denounced Harkin for his crimes. I also never imagined finding my future wife in that hell. The most that I had hoped for was for the rest of the world to condemn Harkin and to persuade his successor to follow a more just path, which would hopefully allow the people to prosper instead of barely scraping by. Then King Rodger Hellblade turned my ideas over with his declaration of war. Suddenly, the dream of making my country a better place seemed infinitely closer as long as I proved my worth to him and survived the war. A loud and quick knock can be heard from the entrance of my room, shaking me from my reflection. I call for them to enter. The door swings open and the castle’s head butler walks through. He is a short, thin fellow whose eyes seem capable of seeing tiny bits of dust in the most unlikely of places. His age has shown on his face, but his body shows that he will continue doing this job well after I pass. He is out of breath from running up the flight of stairs leading to my room. I wait politely for him to catch his breath before motioning for him to speak. “Everyone is here, sire,” the butler states with satisfaction, “and they patiently await your presence in the throne room.” “Very well Artemis, tell them I will be arriving shortly,” I answer. “Very well, sire,” Artemis replies, and then leaves the room. I go to the mirror and inspect my old captain’s uniform for any wrinkles. After double-checking, I stride confidently through the door, down the stairs, and into the throne room. I arrive at the entrance of the throne room and gaze upon all of my guests. They turn towards me as I arrive and I begin walking to the alter. I feel guilty that my presence could have made such an impression on this momentous day, the day of my crowning and of my marriage to Camille Nasye. Now we all wait the arrival of my bride-to-be. I turn to my best man, James Stirling, both to pass the time and for the support. “Don’t sweat it, Roman,” Stirling tells me, noticing my uneasiness, “and do not worry, you will do just fine, you have already went through the hard part.” “Thanks, James,” I respond, turning back to face the crowd.
“You’re late,” states a voice to my left side, “Again.” I turn to see the menacing demeanor of King Rodger Hellblade staring down at me. In my country I am considered the average height of a man at five foot nine inches, yet Rodger towers over me at a stunning six foot three inches. It is impossible to not be intimidated by this man; whose giant muscular body and his numerous medals make me feel as if I am not suited for the position that I am now in. Rodger stands there and evaluates the threat I might pose to him, apparently unconsciously doing it, for he started talking again. “You’re too nervous, boy,” Rodger says in his low, rumbling voice. Even that seemed to exude menace. “Sorry, Your Highness,” I reply, trying to will confidence into myself. “I don’t see why,” Rodger answers, “Hell, even I was nervous at my
wedding.” “Sir?” I ask. “It is natural to be nervous, just don’t be too nervous, some people will see that as a weakness to be exploited later,” Rodger states. “Yes, sir, I will try, sir,” I declare. “Honey, don’t make the poor boy sweat before his wedding and coronation,” a smooth voice demands from off to the right side. “Alright, darling,” Rodger replies back. To me, “We can talk later when you’re newly married and crowned.” I nod towards the Warrior King and watch him walk towards an absolutely stunning woman in a royal purple dress lined with satin white. It also has various jewels, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, dotting parts of the dress in interesting patterns. The woman also has a necklace made of pure gold covered with diamonds, rubies, and onyx in the shape of a heraldic shield, undoubtedly Rodger’s coat of arms, and is lined with silver. Yet all of that seems to enhance the woman’s natural beauty. Then Rodger blocks my view of that woman and that brings me back to reality. I turn to James, stunned. He, for his part, is barely containing his laughter upon seeing my face. I wonder briefly why he is laughing and then I realize it. My mouth had dropped when I saw Rodger’s wife. I abruptly snap my mouth shut and bite my tongue, then curse my carelessness. James laughs even harder at my misfortune, his sides heaving up and down as he tries unsuccessfully to hide his amusement. “Well?” I ask curtly. “You should have seen the look on your face, Roman,” James teases, “One might consider that a sign of cheating.” “Then gazing upon any sort of women would be considered so, James,” I joke, “I am glad you are having fun at my own expensive.” “Hey now, if I had done what you did, you would be laughing, too,” James responses. “You are quite right,” I agree, “I shall return the favor on your wedding day.” “That day is as far away as the great Rodger is a gentle man.” James joked. “We shall see, my friend, we shall see,” I remark, as the wedding music begins. The priest and his procession arrive first followed by the bride’s remaining family. Then my Camille walks down the aisle beside her uncle. She looks gorgeous in her wedding gown, a gift from Rodger’s wife. Her blonde curls fall lovingly onto her dress, while her figure is predominant. Her beautiful face is glowing with her hazel eyes showing love and her lips are formed into a radiant smile. And then she reaches me and extends her hand for me to take. I quickly take her hand and lead her to the altar. All is quiet when the priest begins. “You may be seated,” the priest says to the crowd. The priest begins, “We are gathered here on this joyful and momentous day to join Roman Severnaya and Camille Nasye in holy matrimony. Roman and Camille have fought hard against the vile dictator Harkin to bring freedom and justice for all. And in the midst of their struggle, they found each other. Their love for each other has grown continually with each passing day.” Turning to me, the priest asks, “Do you have a token of your love for Camille?” I nod and retrieve the ring from James; meanwhile the priest turns to Camille asking the same question. She nods as well and retrieves her ring from her maid-of-honor. We both turn towards each other with rings in hand. At the priest’s instructions, I place my ring on Camille’s left ring finger and Camille places her ring on my left ring finger. We turn to the priest immediately after. The priest looks at me and asks, “Do you, Roman Severnaya, take Camille Nasye as your lawful wedded wife, forsaking all others as long as you both live? Do you promise to love, cherish, and obey her, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer?” I reply, looking at Camille, “I do.” The priest turns to Camille, “Do you, Camille Nasye, take Roman Severnaya as your lawful wedded husband, forsaking all others as long as you both live? Do you promise to love, cherish, and obey him, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer?” Camille looks at me and says, “I do.” The priest states, “If there is anyone who would opposes this wedding let them speak now or forever hold their piece.” After a moment of silence with no one objecting to the marriage, the priest continues, “Then by the power vested in me by the twin Gods of Love Apovikos and Onvu, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.” I embrace Camille and give her the first kiss of our marriage. She returns the kiss with the same passion that I have given to her. We part after a few minutes and turn to the roaring crowd. I see Rodger who instead of clapping along with everyone else, locks eyes with me and gives me a slight nod. I feel exhilarated and relieved to finally be married to my Camille. Camille and I walk out to the courtyard for the coronation, with the crowd inside the church parting way for us and then following. The crowd outside of the church is absolutely massive and the noise from their cheering is deafening. I guide my bride to the courtyard; where the remaining members of the Old Republic stand. They were once common citizens who had been elected into office for their honesty and integrity with the people. Their presence became of little note to Harkin and were able to escape his purges. The oldest member speaks when Camille and I stop in front of them. “Greetings, Roman and Camille Severnaya, my fellows and I would like to congratulate you on your marriage,” says the Head Speaker. “Thank you for your kindness and for agreeing to meet us here,” Camille responds. “It is no trouble, for we, and the people of our great nation have decided to crown you as the first Emperor of Sirenia.” the Head Speaker booms towards us and the crowd. “Yes, your kindness and your ability to lead us out of our dark time, proves that no one else is more suited,” another member adds in. “Well said,” the Head Speaker responds, “Please kneel, Roman, for the last time.”
rebel movements. Harkin then imprisoned my family and had them publicly tortured and finally executed in the most horrible of fashions. All in the hopes of bringing me out of hiding. After three days of his showings he then told the world of his actions against my family. Harkin’s vile action caused one man to commit himself to ridding the world of yet another mad, bloodthirsty ruler. That man, Rodger Hellblade, was the king of the nation with the largest, most experienced armed forces, the Baracki Kingdom and also one of the deadliest men of the world. Rodger decided to send one of his most experienced armies, the 5th Royal Army, to exterminate the pest and even worse was his decision to travel with the army to personally kill Harkin. Rodger arrived three months ago and in those three months, he and his army was responsible for the destruction of no less than two cities loyal to Harkin, the obliteration of three field armies of roughly three million men apiece, and the capture of Sirena, the most secure city in the Empire, in less than a month. And Rodger now awaits my presence for my wedding and coronation. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself the soon to be Emperor of my country. Emperor of the Sirenian Empire. A big step from when I had denounced Harkin for his crimes. I also never imagined finding my future wife in that hell. The most that I had hoped for was for the rest of the world to condemn Harkin and to persuade his successor to follow a more just path, which would hopefully allow the people to prosper instead of barely scraping by. Then King Rodger Hellblade turned my ideas over with his declaration of war. Suddenly, the dream of making my country a better place seemed infinitely closer as long as I proved my worth to him and survived the war. A loud and quick knock can be heard from the entrance of my room, shaking me from my reflection. I call for them to enter. The door swings open and the castle’s head butler walks through. He is a short, thin fellow whose eyes seem capable of seeing tiny bits of dust in the most unlikely of places. His age has shown on his face, but his body shows that he will continue doing this job well after I pass. He is out of breath from running up the flight of stairs leading to my room. I wait politely for him to catch his breath before motioning for him to speak. “Everyone is here, sire,” the butler states with satisfaction, “and they patiently await your presence in the throne room.” “Very well Artemis, tell them I will be arriving shortly,” I answer. “Very well, sire,” Artemis replies, and then leaves the room. I go to the mirror and inspect my old captain’s uniform for any wrinkles. After double-checking, I stride confidently through the door, down the stairs, and into the throne room. I arrive at the entrance of the throne room and gaze upon all of my guests. They turn towards me as I arrive and I begin walking to the alter. I feel guilty that my presence could have made such an impression on this momentous day, the day of my crowning and of my marriage to Camille Nasye. Now we all wait the arrival of my bride-to-be. I turn to my best man, James Stirling, both to pass the time and for the support. “Don’t sweat it, Roman,” Stirling tells me, noticing my uneasiness, “and do not worry, you will do just fine, you have already went through the hard part.” “Thanks, James,” I respond, turning back to face the crowd.
“You’re late,” states a voice to my left side, “Again.” I turn to see the menacing demeanor of King Rodger Hellblade staring down at me. In my country I am considered the average height of a man at five foot nine inches, yet Rodger towers over me at a stunning six foot three inches. It is impossible to not be intimidated by this man; whose giant muscular body and his numerous medals make me feel as if I am not suited for the position that I am now in. Rodger stands there and evaluates the threat I might pose to him, apparently unconsciously doing it, for he started talking again. “You’re too nervous, boy,” Rodger says in his low, rumbling voice. Even that seemed to exude menace. “Sorry, Your Highness,” I reply, trying to will confidence into myself. “I don’t see why,” Rodger answers, “Hell, even I was nervous at my
wedding.” “Sir?” I ask. “It is natural to be nervous, just don’t be too nervous, some people will see that as a weakness to be exploited later,” Rodger states. “Yes, sir, I will try, sir,” I declare. “Honey, don’t make the poor boy sweat before his wedding and coronation,” a smooth voice demands from off to the right side. “Alright, darling,” Rodger replies back. To me, “We can talk later when you’re newly married and crowned.” I nod towards the Warrior King and watch him walk towards an absolutely stunning woman in a royal purple dress lined with satin white. It also has various jewels, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, dotting parts of the dress in interesting patterns. The woman also has a necklace made of pure gold covered with diamonds, rubies, and onyx in the shape of a heraldic shield, undoubtedly Rodger’s coat of arms, and is lined with silver. Yet all of that seems to enhance the woman’s natural beauty. Then Rodger blocks my view of that woman and that brings me back to reality. I turn to James, stunned. He, for his part, is barely containing his laughter upon seeing my face. I wonder briefly why he is laughing and then I realize it. My mouth had dropped when I saw Rodger’s wife. I abruptly snap my mouth shut and bite my tongue, then curse my carelessness. James laughs even harder at my misfortune, his sides heaving up and down as he tries unsuccessfully to hide his amusement. “Well?” I ask curtly. “You should have seen the look on your face, Roman,” James teases, “One might consider that a sign of cheating.” “Then gazing upon any sort of women would be considered so, James,” I joke, “I am glad you are having fun at my own expensive.” “Hey now, if I had done what you did, you would be laughing, too,” James responses. “You are quite right,” I agree, “I shall return the favor on your wedding day.” “That day is as far away as the great Rodger is a gentle man.” James joked. “We shall see, my friend, we shall see,” I remark, as the wedding music begins. The priest and his procession arrive first followed by the bride’s remaining family. Then my Camille walks down the aisle beside her uncle. She looks gorgeous in her wedding gown, a gift from Rodger’s wife. Her blonde curls fall lovingly onto her dress, while her figure is predominant. Her beautiful face is glowing with her hazel eyes showing love and her lips are formed into a radiant smile. And then she reaches me and extends her hand for me to take. I quickly take her hand and lead her to the altar. All is quiet when the priest begins. “You may be seated,” the priest says to the crowd. The priest begins, “We are gathered here on this joyful and momentous day to join Roman Severnaya and Camille Nasye in holy matrimony. Roman and Camille have fought hard against the vile dictator Harkin to bring freedom and justice for all. And in the midst of their struggle, they found each other. Their love for each other has grown continually with each passing day.” Turning to me, the priest asks, “Do you have a token of your love for Camille?” I nod and retrieve the ring from James; meanwhile the priest turns to Camille asking the same question. She nods as well and retrieves her ring from her maid-of-honor. We both turn towards each other with rings in hand. At the priest’s instructions, I place my ring on Camille’s left ring finger and Camille places her ring on my left ring finger. We turn to the priest immediately after. The priest looks at me and asks, “Do you, Roman Severnaya, take Camille Nasye as your lawful wedded wife, forsaking all others as long as you both live? Do you promise to love, cherish, and obey her, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer?” I reply, looking at Camille, “I do.” The priest turns to Camille, “Do you, Camille Nasye, take Roman Severnaya as your lawful wedded husband, forsaking all others as long as you both live? Do you promise to love, cherish, and obey him, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer?” Camille looks at me and says, “I do.” The priest states, “If there is anyone who would opposes this wedding let them speak now or forever hold their piece.” After a moment of silence with no one objecting to the marriage, the priest continues, “Then by the power vested in me by the twin Gods of Love Apovikos and Onvu, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.” I embrace Camille and give her the first kiss of our marriage. She returns the kiss with the same passion that I have given to her. We part after a few minutes and turn to the roaring crowd. I see Rodger who instead of clapping along with everyone else, locks eyes with me and gives me a slight nod. I feel exhilarated and relieved to finally be married to my Camille. Camille and I walk out to the courtyard for the coronation, with the crowd inside the church parting way for us and then following. The crowd outside of the church is absolutely massive and the noise from their cheering is deafening. I guide my bride to the courtyard; where the remaining members of the Old Republic stand. They were once common citizens who had been elected into office for their honesty and integrity with the people. Their presence became of little note to Harkin and were able to escape his purges. The oldest member speaks when Camille and I stop in front of them. “Greetings, Roman and Camille Severnaya, my fellows and I would like to congratulate you on your marriage,” says the Head Speaker. “Thank you for your kindness and for agreeing to meet us here,” Camille responds. “It is no trouble, for we, and the people of our great nation have decided to crown you as the first Emperor of Sirenia.” the Head Speaker booms towards us and the crowd. “Yes, your kindness and your ability to lead us out of our dark time, proves that no one else is more suited,” another member adds in. “Well said,” the Head Speaker responds, “Please kneel, Roman, for the last time.”