He swilled the red wine around in the glass for an improbable amount of time. He breathed in the bold aroma of blackcurrant and vanilla which bolstered the grapes... It was indeed a fine wine... He raised the glass slowly, purposefully to his pale lips, then lowered it again.

He spoke with the conviction and knowledge of a man who had led his men to the 4 corners of the world. He was a warrior, a conqueror, but above all else, a master tactician.

His was quick of hand, and light on his feet, and had a sadistic air about him.

"So you say, the lands North of the turn in the river will be ours, and everything to the south will be yours"

"Yes, and you can also have your pick of twenty horses and one thousand men, you'll find it is a fair offer"

He rubbed his whiskers, as if thinking about the offer which his sworn enemy had laid before him.

"And Townsville?"

"Townsville will stay under my control, but your men may come and go freely"

Again he pondered, until at last he put forth his strong cold hand, and they shook.

"Drink up my friend, enjoy it, it is not often we see one another anymore"

They both downed their drink in one, in a show of bravado.

"Did you switch the cups!? DID YOU SWIT......."

His swelling body crumpled to the ground, as white foam poured from his open mouth.

The king is dead.

Long live the king!

For those not familiar with the freewrite, you basically have 5 minutes to write a story, beginning to end. Then post it to your page.

Thanks to @mariannewest for this outlet, I'm really enjoying taking part in this most days.

This weeks prompt was "Switch" and the post can be found here https://steemit.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/day-126-5-minute-freewrite-thursday-prompt-switch

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