Author's Notes
I uploaded the wrong version of part I of the Iris King, so I have now replaced it. It's basically the same, but has a few changes. There's probably going to be two more parts to the Iris King after this chapter.
THE IRIS KING, part II
On Dreams
In this time Rath began to dream dreams and see visions. One like an ancient and noble man came to him and foretold of his coming. All of Rath's advisors thought the dream meant that the gods, perhaps even Loki himself, would soon visit him for his valiant service. For you see, Loki and his race had long since remained in their own lands, and none alive had seen them. Weeks passed, yet Rath was not visited by these gods.
And then a second dream came. In this vision, the one like a man walked toward him with his arms opened wide. Something like a colorful bird flew towards the man and perched upon his shoulder. "By this sign shall you know me," the voice rang and then Rath awoke. Weeks passed again, and yet this dream did not come either.
The Dream Fulfilled
The year was almost up on the beggar's captivity and so his death drew nigh. At this Rath was full of sorrow, for he had grown close to the old man, yet it was his duty to keep the laws, instituted by the gods themselves, and he felt obliged to keep it. Many times they had spoken of justice and duty and both men agreed that they should be followed. So, out of respect, Rath chose to visit the man's cell on the final day and lead him to his death.
As he entered the room the beggar arose to meet him in an embrace and to greet him with Lugh's customary kiss of peace. Then he saw it. A bird flew into the man's cell, whisked past his head and then perched upon the back wall. It did not land on the man's shoulder, but from Rath's sight it appeared as though the bird did rest on his shoulder. Guilt and shame filled Rath as he fell at the beggar's feet.
Rath's Dilemma
"I did not know, my lord," Rath said as he bowed before the old man. "Why did you come in such a form and stay hidden for so long?" he asked the god before him. "I am still hidden from your eyes and mind. I am not Loki, nor is his race divine." And then he began to tell Rath of all the deception and the true history of his people and the Great Rebellion. Rath was greatly troubled in his mind, not knowing what to believe. Perhaps, since the bird had not really alighted upon the beggar's shoulder, only appearing to, it was not his dream coming true. Perhaps it was a test from the true gods still. Rath had heard of such things before.
Here Kake, high ruler over the land of Erebos under the Great Rebellion, also came, surprising Rath. He came to oversee that the old beggar was indeed put to death. There was mistrust between these two men, yet Kake was in authority over Rath. And so, the execution was made to continue, without Rath telling Kake anything of his encounter. And Rath was still unsure in his spirit, yet he lead the beggar towards his death.