King Rama along with his youngest sons marched into the open gates of the Wolf Kingdom following the escorts that dragged the struggling, Gunnolf and Axis in. Many of the subjects were surprised to see the Eldest Prince's in ropes and gags. Some knew they were under punishment for a wrong deed they committed but the way they were restrained as they were it meant they were in more trouble now.
"Take them to the flogging posts." King Rama ordered as he looked around to see many questionable and concerned looks from many of those that he ruled over. "By Order of your king gather at the posts to witness the punishment to traitors!" He pointed at the two struggling wolfs that tried to haul themselves out of the grip of the soldiers that held them, but they kept them in firm grips as they dragged them through the village leading them to where their punishment will begin.
Hearing the order of their King most of wolfs ceased their chores and duties and followed them. King Rama lead ahead along with his youngest sons that remained close. They watched their former brothers continue to be dragged to the flogging area near the barracks where most of those that had become soldiers on behalf of the King made their home at.
Captain Lance was waiting by the Flogging post as he believed that if the King wished to set an example it would begin at the flogging post and he was right when, Gunnolf and Axis were dragged before him making them stand in front of him as he gave them a despicable look.
"I always should have known you both were no good. I kept you from harming your brother and Karina before but to plot against them like this. I should have simply killed you both when I had the chance. But that is out of my jurisdiction now. I would have made sure it was quick and perhaps painless. But now your lives now belong to your father. He brought you both into this world and now he will decide when you shall leave it. String them up!" He ordered.
The Soldiers dragged the two captives as their struggles continued but it was fruitless as they each were dragged between two large poles in the ground and with their constant struggling they were both socked in the face or kicked their stomachs to subdue them more while their bonds were released only to be tied across to each pole. Their arms were stretched out wide at an angle that was uncomforting to them and the ropes were so tight they could barely move an inch.
With Gunnolf and Axis tied to the posts King Rama stepped in between with his youngest sons by his side. He waited a few minutes before a crowd consisting of at least a good fraction of the Wolf Kingdoms populace to show up. It was more than enough at this moment to let them know of what was going on.
"My Fellow Wolves. Right now, you may have already heard of my youngest son's rescue." He gestured to Mowgli at his right side as happy faces stared at him glad to know he was alright as, Mowgli smiled back at them.
"But from the looks of the faces I saw upon my entry back into our sacred home concerning my Eldest I shall tell you all. They are both Traitors to the Kingdom. They betrayed their King and their Family and given themselves over to our exiled enemies of old." King Rama proclaimed as the two captives in their restraints growled within their gags as being called traitors did not suit well to them.
"They secretly met with the leader of the Primates through passage underneath our own wall. The Primates cleverly built it in secret and have been stealing our food and values for years!" King Rama explained as many of the wolves murmured in disbelief and shock. Some of them had known or just realized precious values they had have disappeared. Their food stocks were shorter than usual, but nothing too concerned about till now.
"While they were continuing to carry out the punishment I had given them they met with the one known as King Louie. They traded their own brother, Mowgli and one of our own subjects because of their misbeliefs. Mowgli may be man and not a wolf. But one's race should never be held accountable for merely one of them. Especially when it's a lone infant having lost its parents in the jungle and though there are wolves outside our own civilization with their own ways of life that are different than ours we cannot shun them for it unless they prove to be a threat to us all." The King carried on his explanation holding his son, Mowgli close to him.
"Anyone who comes into this Kingdom will always be met by me or by another who carries the crown upon their head. We will decide whether they may feel welcomed or not. You all have the right to own opinions, but I will not tolerate anyone that plots against one of our own or against the Kingdom itself!" The King stated snorting as he turned around and looked at the two captives that eyed him with angry looks.
"No one is above anyone here. Not even those that once carried royal titles which I have revoked from these two rats!" King Rama growled. "Sticks and whips! Front and back. Do not stop till I say otherwise!" He ordered as Gunnolf and Axis's eyes went wide in fear as immediately two pairs of soldiers came from the barracks each one holding a crop stick and the other with a long whip that was unraveled when they came close.
Gunnolf and Axis desperately tried to pull themselves free, but the ropes were too tight and the knots on their wrists and the poles were too well done to yank loose. The Soldiers with the crop stick stood in front of each of the two brothers. Even though they were fellow wolves they had orders from their king and knowing that they allowed their kingdom to be pillaged in secret and made a secret dealing with an enemy of theirs proved they were no longer as one of them. They may resemble wolves, but they were honor less jackals now.
The Soldiers with the whips in hands took their place behind the two captives. They cracked their whips making both Gunnolf and Axis jolt in worry knowing what was coming.
"Begin!" King Rama ordered as he stood in place with his arms folded. Immediately the soldiers with the crops hit both, Gunnolf and Axis in their fronts. They whined within their gags from the stings but then within a second a whip struck across their backs. They whined louder though the gags kept their voices low.
Crack after crack was heard as the punishment for the two traitors carried on. The Crowd watched in both horror and satisfaction. It was horrible to see such brutal punishment be inflicted but they had a brief moment of satisfaction. The Two being punished had given their kingdom over to the Primates. Valuables that were once believed misplaced were stolen from them. They were fools to think that they had lost them and could not see they were being robbed as they were. The Wolves that were suffering at this moment were part of the reason they lost so much.
Gunnolf and Axis were not given a second to prepare themselves for each strike. The Front and back of their bodies felt as if they were ablaze. From their legs to their backs and even across their faces were being covered in cuts, bruises and large bumps. They cried within their gags as they tried to fight the pain, but each strike made it more worse than the previous strike. Agony took them over as they jolted and squealed as they couldn't bare it. They thought they had it all right. They believed their plan was a success. Because of Louie going against the plan by not killing, Mowgli and Karina this never would have happened. They only hoped he suffered a painful death for it as their suffering was due to him. They never should have trusted a primate.
The Punishment continued on. If the two captives could drop to their knee's they would but the ropes on their arms kept them in position as the soldiers continuing on with their whipping and flogging on them.
Exon watched the Scene with a blank look. He once admired those two. They were his eldest brothers. So long ago he idolized them. Great hunters they were and given to how they were proficient in their trade it was the reason why choose the profession of being a warrior. The Family had enough hunters it needed someone strong and passionate to take a stand against any of those that threatened those he loved and the Kingdom he adored. He never would have imagined that in his life it would be against the two brothers he loved since the moment he was born. This was Justice. They deserved what they were getting just because their youngest sibling was not a wolf and he was good friends with someone not born of the kingdom didn't mean anything. They both proved their worth and their loyalty and that was enough it was a shame his former brothers could not see that.
Mowgli couldn't help it but look away from the sight of the two being beaten possibly to death. If their gags were off no doubt they would be screaming to the moon itself the pain was so much. He did love them once. Knowing full well of what he was he tried so hard to show he wasn't like his fellow man. He wasn't this monster in disguise or trying to bring ruin to anyone. Thanks to King Rama and Queen Raksha he had a home. A Family that loved him and a Kingdom to look over. If it wasn't for them or the Kingdom he would be long dead or continuing to rot as a slave. All he ever wanted was to prove to all that he belonged, and he had tried so hard, but it seemed in his efforts it wasn't enough to show his former brothers that their ideals against him and, Karina were misguided.
The Mancub looked through one open eye to see Gunnolf take a crop to his face making him shutter. The Punishment was justified, of course but it still was hard to watch. King Rama noticed his youngest son's despairing look and pulled him to his side. He rubbed his shoulders comfortably. He understood this was hard for him to see. It was just as hard for him too. His two firstborns had committed the worst atrocity the kingdom has ever known. They exist because of him. He had given them everything a father and a King would. Titles and Responsibilities for at time they were worthy of.
Once they were proud sons of his. But after what they had done he cannot let it slide. Their first punishment was light. Their second punishment was heavy. But none of those made them understand their errors and having resorted to such deceitful ruses and done tremendous treacherous acts this was something he had to set an example for, for all the kingdom to see. It weighed heavy on his heart, but he blocked off that feeling as, Gunnolf and Axis shamed him severely and their actions proved they will not change for the better. They were going to understand now and forever what their actions have brought them.
After a couple, more minutes had past and just when it looked like Gunnolf and Axis were about to pass out from all the pain they were enduring, King Rama threw up his hands. "Enough!" The Soldiers ceased their flogging and whipping stepping away from the two hanging wolves that dripping from blood, sweat and tears from their eyes.
Their Agony was greater than they could have imagined. Their bodies were sustained with so many cuts and covered with blood that they now had a vague understanding what it was like for an animal waiting for the slaughter.
King Rama stepped up to Axis giving him a dreadful look. He lifted his chin up taking a cloth from his pocket and wiped his eyes clear of sweat and tears. Then he removed the gag. He then moved to, Gunnolf doing the same. He wanted their vision cleared for this. He wanted them to speak out if they could.
The Two Brothers coughed madly and gagged as breathing was difficult for them. They whimpered as their bodies shook from all the agony. They could barely keep their heads lifted. More tears began to fall from their eyes as, King Rama watched them scoffing.
"You two have defiant eyes. You raised your voices against me before. You looked at me as if you were superior to the one that was the reason you had life to begin with. You talked as if our roles were reversed. You claimed I and all of us are the reason our kingdom lost pieces of what was ours and the disgrace of allowing an enemy to fester in our lands and now look at you. I now see defeat. I see your pleading in those eyes. I perhaps see that your sorry for your actions. Is my assumption correct?" King Rama asked the two captives.
They both moaned in response. It was too much for them to even speak a word. But Gunnolf looked at his Father and made a rebellious look. This was met with a backhand to the face as the crowd cheered for their King. They all watched the punishment carry on and with how, Gunnolf looked at his Father, the King as he did proved he was a traitor to them all.
"Arrogant and stubborn still even after this. I expected no less from you both!" King Rama grumbled stepping back to his youngest sons who remained close with each other. Their hearts were heavy watching the scene, but they knew this was justice for them both as well as for the Kingdom.
"Cut them down and bring them to the Dungeon in the Palace." King Rama ordered. Captain Lance pointed to the captives gesturing the soldiers to carry out their duty as they immediately went to work in releasing the two from the posts.
King Rama turned and faced the crowd again. "Let it be known from this moment on. If there is any form of doubt about my actions or an issue with someone that is of this kingdom or not you will talk to I or someone of authority about. I will address the issue at hand but if there is any form of attack or action that will hurt the said individual or bring any form of ruin to this Kingdom let my former son's punishment be an example to it. Do I make myself clear?!" He almost shouted to the crowd.
All the wolves bowed to their King in understanding he had made his point and seeing what was to become of, Gunnolf and Axis they would not wish upon their worst for it. King Rama nodded. "Very well. You all are dismissed carry on your tasks and duties and know that the Spirits bless our beloved home and those who stand against our way of life will never see the light of day. Good day to you all." King Rama said as the crowd scattered and carried on with what they were doing all of them relieved to have seen the traitors be dealt with and the cause of their own misfortunes has been handled.
Gunnolf and Axis were let down from the post but there were far too injured and weak to even resist in the slightest. There was no need to restrain them now as they were dragged to the Palace with, King Rama following along with, Exon.
Mowgli was about to follow when a hand was put on his left shoulder. He looked to see it was, Captain Lance. "I was told of your heroics by, Karina, Prince Mowgli." He smiled. "You did an incredible job. You saved a subject of this kingdom at great risk to yourself. You have done our Kingdom proud, and I am certain your family feels the same. Welcome home, my Prince. It warms my heart to see you back safely."
Mowgli grabbed the Captains hand and squeezed it. "Thank you, Captain Lance its good to be home."
Captain Lance petted the Prince's hair making him chuckle before he left him to carry out the rest of the day's tasks and, Mowgli ran to catch up with his Father and Brother.
The Three of them followed the soldiers that dragged the two traitors uphill towards the palace. It was welcome sight to, Mowgli as back in the ancient a thought came to his mind that he would never see home again. The Palace was where he stayed for as long as he could remember. One never could appreciate home until there came a point where they were away from it. He now appreciated what he had all the more now and how easily it could be taken from him. He would have to be stronger and though the Captains words to him were uplifting he understood he had to became better and be an example to show all that he is worthy of being there with them all. He will never turn his back on the Kingdom and those that gave him a home and a family.
Mowgli vowed to himself he will make everyone proud. They are proud now for his recent accomplishments, but he had to continue proving to them that he is worthy of what he has.
The Palace doors were opened to the King and his son's and to the traitors that were dragged inside. But as soon as they were within the doors they made a sharp turn to the left to a flight of stairs that went downwards.
The Legs of the traitors dropped painfully down each step as the King followed keeping an angry look at them. Blood dropped over the stairs all from their wounds but, King Rama was not sympathetic nor was, Mowgli or Exon what they suffered is not even a fraction of what they deserved. Soon they made down to the end of the steps that lead into a hall only lit by torches on the wall.
Down the hall itself were cells that were at the moment unoccupied. Mowgli knew about the dungeon in the palace. It was damp and cold, but it was unkept at least unlike the dungeon and the cell that he and Karina had shared in the ancient ruins.
"To the farthest cell with them!" King Rama pointed to the cell where there nearly was no light. One Guard had to take a torch on the wall to provide them light as they moved to the cell at the very end.
Once they were in front of the cell with the two traitors next to them, King Rama pointed inside. "In with them and chain their legs and arms to the wall!"
The Soldiers dragged the groaning traitors into the cells and threw them against the wall as let out painful yelps from the impact. Their eyes shut as their teeth gnawed trying to fight against the pain that swelled all over them.
Cold shackles were placed on their wrists and ankles leaving them chained only by a small leash onto the wall. King Rama gestured for the soldiers to come out and when they did he walked in standing in front of the two that could not even look up as they laid against the cold dirty floor and wall moaning.
"From this day forth I and the rest of the family shall forget about you. All knowledge of you both will leave our minds. The Son's I knew died the moment they plotted against the family that loved them. But you two will remember me. You will remember, Mowgli. Karina. Exon, your sisters and your mother. You will be alone here to think only of the family you betrayed. You will die but not now. You will live with your mistakes till you rot and the grounds here will take you. I as a father would wish you mercy but you both are not my sons anymore. You're not worth any more words. Farewell!" King Rama stated sharply turned away with his cape draping over the two as he left the cell and moment he did it was slammed shut and locked in place.
King Rama took one more look at them and did show any signs of remorse and pity. Only disappointment. "Come, there is nothing left for us here!" He gestured to his other sons.
Exon left with him while stood in front of the cell looking upon the two inside. It was a pitiful sight. Just shortly ago, Karina was in a cell hanging by her arms after a severe beating. Now they have suffered like she did. Her pain was now there's and he was glad. His Father was right on what he said. He will forget about them, but they will stay in there and remember everyone. The Memory of those they betrayed will linger in their minds for all time.
King Rama looked back to see his son, Mowgli still standing in front of the cell. "Come along, Mowgli I am sure your, Mother and sisters will want to see you!" He called.
"Coming, Father!" Mowgli called back. He took one last look at the two imprisoned traitors and gave the same look his father did at them before running to his father who gave him a quick hug before they left the dungeon leaving the two traitors in the near darkness chained to the wall and only with themselves and their thoughts to keep them company.
"Curse you all." Gunnolf cursed under his breath jolting from the pain that still lingered as put an arm over, Axis that laid on his side barely able to even breath trying to offer him what little comfort he could manage.