Meros was very angry. He had come back to town for the first time in two years. Everything had changed. He asked an old man what happened.
It's the king. He kills people. He believes that all people have dangerous thoughts.
So he killed his son-in-low and then his own son. He even killed his wife.
Has he lost his mind?
No. He just can't believe in anyone anymore. So he gave an order for every rich man to send one of their family members to the castle. If they don’t send anyone, he will kill them. Even today, six men were killed on the cross.
I can't believe this.
Melos went to stop the king. But at the castle, he was caught by soldiers. They found a knife Melos had with him, and so they took him to the king.
Why do you have this knife?
I was going to save this town from a bad king.
The king laughed. It was a sad laugh.
You don’t know me.
No, I don’t. But I heard you kill people because you don’t trust them. You can't be a good king if you don’t trust your people.
My people? My people made me this way. They have taught me that I can't believe in anyone. I want peace too, you know.
It was Melos to laugh.
Peace? All you care about is being a king.
Be quiet. When I put you on a cross, you will cry and say that you are sorry. You will say anything to save your life.
I am ready to die. But I ask you to let me live for three more days. I have a young sister who is getting married. She is my only family. I promise to return after her wedding.
Do you think I am a fool? If a bird escapes, it doesn’t come back.
If I don’t return before the sun sets on the third day, you can kill my best friend. His name is Selinuntius, and he believes in me.
The king smiled a dangerous smile. He thought that it was a perfect chance to show everyone that people can't be believed in.
Okay. You have three days. By the way, if you come back after sunset, I will not kill you.
After sunset? Then, my friend will die.
Exactly. If you want to live, you should be late.
Melos’s friend, Selinuntius, was brought to the castle. Melos explained everything, and the two friends hugged each other. Under the night sky full of stars, Melos started to run.