Thread: The Handmaiden's Tale (Wander and Chanti)

If there is any article which man should shun from ever forming a part of his being, it is alcohol. It turns man into the beast that he is not and makes him a beast which would otherwise be a man when not in the intoxicated state. Yet, man relentlessly consumes this nefarious liquid and succumbs himself to the evils of this tyrant which engulfs the soul and destroys the conscience. Considering this, the only hell within the universe would be the W3OH region which is a few thousand light years away from our home planet to be the true hell which contains nothing apart from this malignant liquor. Returning to the tale from which we digressed, let us understand Herodontus. It has been observed that the man was seldom sober. He could not when in his right mind do any form of activity which the conscience would deny. Only alcohol gave him the courage to fade the barricade between good and evil and to embrace either side depending upon his preference. It was mostly the latter. Thus while it was going for battle or for claiming the spoils f war as his prize, he had to drink in order to make his move. However, it had been considerable time since his last drink. Being a man of sturdy flesh to which digestion of bricks seemed a menial task draining alcohol was not a challenging act. He had already begun to sober and while he could not sleep He had not slept for more than an hour or two since the day his family died he thought. I did wrong to that poor girl. She is no slave woman she is a nice girl and I defiled her. Why did I do that? What would Sofia think of me when I ultimately met my demise? How would I face my son when I meet him in heaven? As a murderer, a rapist? Then it dawned upon him and he realized it. I would never go to heaven. I am going to rot in hell for eternity. Sinners like me have no place in heaven. I shall never see them again. Tears streaked his cheek at this painful revelation and he felt an ominous sense of foreboding which could not be fathomed by mere repent. Redemption! He realized. I must redeem myself, purge myself of these sins and follow the path of perdition towards ultimate penance. Maybe then the burden on my soul could be lightened. The hope of some form of penance from the guilt that raked his soul from the sins he had committed under the dismal loss of his family and the odious influence of alcohol made him slightly calm. I must release her. I shall beg for forgiveness and release her to be a free woman the first thing in the morning. Shall repay her fathers debt to Menelaus. I know it is not enough, but it is the least I can do. His thoughts were hampered by the sound of something falling on the ground within his chamber and the general rose to his feet, lighting the lamps. What? Who is there? He asked, his voice a high threatening pitch. Then he saw it, and he was shocked beyond his wits. Sophie stood there, dagger in hand and raised overhead. Eyes bulging, he could not believe the sight before him and screamed, Noooo! It all happened within the time frame of a second. The dagger descended as the swift feet of the general bounded forward like a rabbit hopping at top pace, carrying him forth towards the scene onto the scene in less than a moment. The General was an adept at reflex reaction, it had saved his life at countless instances during battle. But for the first time, it had saved the life of another and his skills followed a more altruistic purpose of life. The hand instantly caught the knife just before it made contact with the girls body. Blood trickled down the Generals sliced palm as he held the blade in place and yanked it away from Sophies grasp. No! He exhaled and then tossed the knife away. Pain burned within his palm and seared in a burn through his flesh, but he ignored it, letting his blood flow freely and drip onto the ground. The General then advanced towards the armoire within the corner, and from it , he exhumed a dress and a towel which appeared to be of the maiden that happened to be the former occupant of this room. Here, wear this. Advised the general, his voice a soft an affectionate whisper, antonymous to the beast that had raped Sophie. His eyes looked down in order to not view the naked flesh and bruised, battered and bloodied body of the he maiden. I I am sorry. He whispered again as he handed her the towel. You should have a bath and spend the night here.I shall release you in the morning and your fathers debt.consider it paid. You shall be a free woman when you are back in Greece. With this the General turned, still unable to meet her gaze for the guilt was too much to bear and he was unable to meet her gaze or look at her naked body. He lay down on the ground where she lay and closed his eyes, leaving the bed vacant for the young maiden to accommodate while he purged himself through suffering and guilt.