Strike true
Loyalty's reward
"Do not Hesitate. Strike hard, strike true."
Though I doubted my own fortitude, I found myself able to say these words to the axeman. There, upon that shameful scaffold, had I come to end my days.
Dressed warm against the winter chill, I did not wish my enemies to say that I had shivered for fear of death. Laying the coins upon his hand, I gave the man my blessing and forgiveness.
I had prepared a speech but decided, in that final moment, to utter just the four words that had guided my whole life's work.
"God save the King!"
~ O ~ o ~
This drabble, a story in exactly 100 words, was inspired by the haunting melody of the theme tune to the BBC series Wolf Hall, The Mirror and the Light. Performed by the Soprano Grace Davidson.
This scene from the series depicts the execution of Queen Anne Boleyn
Students of history may recognise the allusion in my story to precautions supposedly taken against the cold by King Charles I, at his execution, having been condemned for high treason in 1649. His crime was to have waged war against Parliament and the people of England.
Thanks for reading
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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Comments (14)
politics and manipulation and power You painted a vivid picture!
I do love a spot of historical fiction. Could you do the executions of more famous people? Like Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey? 😁
I keep meaning to revisit Wolf Hall in light of the more recent series and your drabble has reminded me of this. Great atmosphere created by you in such a few words.
Congrats on Top Story! 🎉 Well deserved. Keep up the good work!
You packed a lot of emotions into so few words. Well done! And Congrats on the Top Story!
Fabulous ♦️♦️♦️
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
very awesome work: I am very inspired by your work
Very good work, congrats 👏
This is a great drabble and shouldn't we all 'Strike true' in some way in what we do day to day.
A powerful Drabble, Raymond. “Strike true” got me right in the heart. I wonder if the king even felt the pain if it was done in one true strike.
I love reading stories like this because I never lived in a country rule by kings or Queens. It's fascinating actually how this kind of system works.
That was just so sad. Loved your drabble!
I remember the scene from the movie ("The Other Boleyn Girl"?) where Anne speaks thusly. I also remember how Mary got the executioner drunk so as to create a painfully awkward strike.