It's from this, but more from the prompts.
The lords of the realm now must face the wrath of their people. But rather than being killed, their people turn on them and drag them before the king in chains demanding the king teach these errant lords a lesson about mistreating the people they are supposed to care for.
@internutter/challenge-03076-h168-freedom-by-the-press -- DaniAndShali
"Well, this is an interesting development," said the King. The people had revolted against their revolting lords, but had not gone so far as killing them. Lord Baisingr was in chains before the highest court in the realm. Not just judged by his peers, but also the people.
Lord Baisingr, stripped of most of his finery and locked in stocks, had to protest. "This isn't my fault! This isn't fair! These foolish bumpkins have no idea what's good for them!"
The King and his attending Knives sat silently for a time. The Knives exchanged looks between each other before Kris stepped forward. "You paid bards to spread lies about why people like me were dying of starvation and disease. Why there were no houses protected against the cold of winter, or why the price of firewood was so high. I would say it is your fault."
Pel was next, "You stood in front of your subjects and told us the King had tied your hands. You said that there was nothing you could do, that it was the King's fault. Then you rode off in your new gold carriage with your matching white steeds. Sitting on velvet. Dressed in silk. Weighed down with all the gold you wouldn't spend on us. It is most definitely your fault."
Trace, last of the Knives, stepped forward last. "You can only lie to people so long when the truth is free. Once people learn to think, once they know what questions to ask, you cannot keep them blind. Your own people have stripped you of your gold and used it to buy the bread and houses you would not give them."
"You sit here in chains," said the King, "and you dare to say it isn't your fault. I charge you to prove it... or spend the rest of your days in serfdom. Your title and holdings will go to somebody far, far more sensible."
They had the key, at last, to teaching Lords who they really served. Hit them in the status, and they would never forget.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / lineartestpilot]
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