Page 76 of Dancing On Air

Connor looked over to the gallows where Lord Sampson already had his hands tied behind his back. The guards had closed the trap door and pushed Sampson down to his knees. The stump used for beheadings was brought over and placed in front of him.

As much as Connor would love to kill the man for murdering his father, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Would it really make him any better than Sampson if he killed him out of anger, wanting revenge? Then again, it was Connor’s job now, and he had to do it.

“With all due respect, Lord Warden,” said Connor. “I am afraid I cannot execute Lord Sampson.”

“Why the hell not?” shouted Rook. “God’s eyes, Connor, the man murdered your father and almost made you kill your own brother. What are you saying?”

“I know, and I hate him more than anyone for what he did to not only my father, but to my entire family,” said Connor.

“Well your father started all this when he killed my brother!” shouted Sampson. “It was only fair that I pay back the favor. I had no choice but to kill him. He deserved it.”

“And there is the confession I was looking for. Thank you,” said the Lord Warden. “Now, it is complete, and you have sealed your own fate, Lord Sampson.”

“Wait a second,” said Connor, raising a hand in the air. “I know my father was wrong in what he did. He murdered a man. A nobleman. And as much as it pains me having to say this, my father deserved to die for his crime.”

“Connor, what are you doing? What are you saying?” asked Eleanor.

“Hold on, sweetheart,” he said. “Let me finish. I have lived in hell these past five years, and just lived through hell again when those I loved were threatened and my brother was almost executed. It’s not a good feeling to lose anyone. Especially a brother. Lord Sampson, I want to apologize for my father’s crime of killing your brother. I honestly wish that it had never happened.”

“That’s just fine, hangman, but it doesn’t bring him back,” yelled Sampson.

“No, sadly, it doesn’t,” agreed Connor. “And neither will my father be brought back to life after your hand in his death.”

“I’m not apologizing for killing your father, if that is what you’re waiting for. He deserved to die just like you said. I’m not the least bit sorry for killing him.”

“Kill him, kill him,” shouted the crowd, siding with Connor now and wanting to do away with Lord Sampson.

“God’s eyes, Connor, why are you stalling?” complained Rook. “The man deserves to die. Follow the Lord Warden’s orders. Stop all this talking and execute him! It is your job now.”

“Nay, beheading is too good for the likes of him,” said Connor.

“Then would you prefer hanging, or to have him drawn and quartered?” asked Eleanor’s father. “You are the hangman and I will leave the decision of how he’ll die up to you.”

“Thank you,” said Connor. “But I actually don’t want him to be killed at all.”

“You don’t?” asked Garrett. “I don’t understand. Why not?”

“Connor, what are you saying?” gasped Eleanor. “This man has ruined your life!”

“That’s right, he has,” said Connor. “And that is why instead of killing him, I ask you, Lord Warden to spare his life instead.”

“Spare his life? That makes no sense. Connor you are mad,” shouted Rook.

“Nay, I’m not. I want Lord Sampson to know what my father and my entire family had to live through. I want him to feel the loss and feel the pain. I’d like him to make the same trade for his life that my father made for his.”

“Oh, I see what you’re doing,” said Eleanor with a smile.

“I want Lord Sampson’s life spared, but in return he will have to agree to take over the position of hangman from now on,” continued Connor. “Therefore, I will be freed from the position of executioner and my family will be freed as well.”

“What?” asked Sampson, shaking his head. “Nay, I won’t do it. Cut off my head right now, because I would prefer that to the humility of taking the position of hangman.”

“Lord Warden, this is your decision,” said Corbett.

Garrett looked over to Eleanor. “Daughter, what do you want me to do?”

“Nay, please don’t put her in that position,” interrupted Connor. “I lived through that agony and don’t wish it on anyone. Especially such a beautiful, wonderful woman as Eleanor. This decision is not hers to make.”

“You are absolutely right,” said Garrett with a nod. “I think it is a fair punishment for this man’s crimes. Usually, the convicted has a choice whether or not to accept being executioner. But in this case, I am making the decision for him. Lord Sampson, by the powers granted to me by the King, I declare that from this day on, you will assume the position of hangman, thereby relieving Connor Wyland and his family from any further obligations.” The crowd gasped and mumbled comments. “You will from this moment on, lose your title, your castle, your lands and money, and also all respect.”