[ IP ] Stroll Along the Wall

The forest was lovely this afternoon. It always was, but today felt different. The sound of my footsteps echoed as I walked the passage of our great wall curving through the trees and built almost as high. I breathed in the fresh air and reveled in the dampness full of life. Smell of moss and old stone lingered. If you listen closely, the heartbeat of the woods can be heard. The sound of wind brushing against the leaves, the distance rumbling of the many waterfalls surrounding our kingdom, even the stillness added to nature ’ s melody. Yet it was different this time. There it was… the faint odor of ash and smoke breezing in through the wind. My footsteps were deafening in this forest of mine, devoid of its guardians, the critters and creatures who called it their home. The forest was dying. 
 
 Jolene, my wife, my queen, the love of my life walked by my side hand in hand. She leaned against my arm as we stopped to overlook the clearing below. 
 
 “ I will miss this my king. ” 
 
 `` As will I, my sun and moon. I had planned for thousands more walks with you but it can not be.'' 
 
 Looking over the familiar scenery brought forth a surge of nostalgia from when I was a boy. I tried my best for this kingdom. My home. My people. What have I done wrong? My first year as king and there has been nothing but turmoil. Starvation. Poverty. Violence. They all lied to me. I had such great plans for our future. They said my laws were working. Everything was fine. My advisors assured me all was well. All said with so much respect. Nothing but politeness, afraid to offend. How can I serve my people if the truth is hidden from me? 
 
 Everyone around me only thirsted for power, for recognition. Heresy to be the bearer of bad news. My advisors played me like a fool. I thought I could trust them! Their families have been serving the king for generations. But of course, they wish to keep their prestige and power. Breaking the status quo would be bad, no no we can ’ t have our king try to change how we have been for centuries. The kingdom was slowly dying as they foiled my plans behind my back and here I was thinking everything was going well. Laughable! My vision. My plans. Everything I have wanted for my beloved kingdom gone to waste due to power struggle. What a pitiful view of the world they have, and I trusted them. The sound of hurrying footsteps broke the silence of my thoughts. My home. My people. Old friends and family coming for my throat. I squeezed Jolene ’ s hand and gave her a wistful smile. She nodded with a smile and closed her eyes. 
 
 We jumped. 
 
 
 This is my first story I've written since middle school so feedback is appreciated! 

