“Come now, you fearful things, don’t look so terrorized. Did I say I would be dismissing anyone today?"

D
ecimus gazed around the palace lazily, his eyes roaming across the impressive decor.

“More.”

The attendants glanced at each other in confusion.

“What does the emperor want?”

“More.” Decimus stood up from the couch. “I want more of everything. Rome’s coffers should be overflowing with gold and silver, as well as my own fortunes. We need to amass more treasure, conquer more lands, pulverize kingdoms that stand in our way, and trample the citizens if they so much as entertain a single thought of rebellion!”

Silence hung in the air.

Decimus threw back his head and laughed wildly, his voice booming around the room.

“Come now, you fearful things, don’t look so terrorized. Did I say I would be dismissing anyone today? You’re on my side, so you’ll be safe and sound as long as I have the power to rule.  All I need is to be entertained; keep me happy and content, and I’ll try to restrain my wild side.”

“I can think of something that you might appreciate.” One of the soldiers stepped forward. “Tomorrow we’re going on a tour around the main city so that the people may once again cheer your name and see their leader in the flesh. I propose that we make a special stop to the street where the locked tower is. I know that most leaders won’t even enter the street where the famous tower is, which no one has dared enter for as long as anyone can remember. It should be exciting for you to see the tower up close, if you choose to.”

“Wonderful idea, soldier.” Decimus grinned. “I would love to walk up to the tower. Perhaps I can even peer inside through one of the cracks. Who knows what lies within that tower?”