To quoth an anciant Hebitian bard, "Learn of yourself before learning of your foe."
It had been somewhat of a motto
for the man who now stood before the assizes. Little emotion swam within the azure depths of his eyes
Even less compassion in his voice as he addressed the judicial royalty.
"I plead you not, I shan't beg you or ask for mercy,"
he calmly stated.
"But ask not why I rendered what I rendered."
"We judge you for your acts," a man chimed,
"And bequeath a sentence fitting for the crime."
All agreed and requested blood.
"Not blood," he said. "Justice," he added with a nod.
Far from the cries, another man stood and watched.
Watched while his would-be successor mocked.
"I will die with pride," he said. "My State my strength, it will make you all pay."
"The State your executor, for no death today."
A harsh stab of the gavel and louder cries.
"Mockery of the State, you will never serve it with your mocking eyes or your manipulative sighs."
Another stab, it was done.
He watched with no emotion as they escorted his scion.
"Done, over and lost. Alone until your solitary finale."
He watched a moment more, then slowly tried to forget of the crime.
It was done, over and lost. He had erased his only true enemy ... a name which would hunt his later years. Elim.

The End