There was once a place called Deras, where a tyrant king ruled. His cruelty was such that even animals sought refuge from his oppression. When he walked, the ground trembled; when he passed, the walls shivered. His voice was so harsh that whenever he spoke, silence swallowed everything. None dared to answer back. Perhaps the word tyrant was too small for him—for his cruelty had outgrown even the definition of cruelty itself.
This tyrant king's name was Ajal.
The people did not see Ajal as merely a king.
They worshipped him as a god.
They believed he had created them, that he was their divine lord—
but they were gravely mistaken.
Ajal was no god.
He was a fraud, a deceiver, a liar, a selfish tyrant—
and no amount of condemnation could ever be enough to describe the evil that he was.
_____
The weather was unbearably hot—so hot that it felt as if every soul was boiling alive. The streets were nearly empty, only a few scattered people forced out of their homes by work or urgent needs. The rest had taken shelter indoors, hiding from the merciless heat.
"It truly is scorching today… I should get myself something cold," said Haman.
"Ah, what luck—there's a juice and ice cream shop ahead."
He stepped into a shop with a bright sign that read "Scoop 'n' Sip."
The shop was unusually colorful and inviting, the kind of place where once you entered, you would not wish to leave. Neatly arranged tables and chairs filled the space, their order adding to the charm. Haman settled into one of them.
At the table next to his, two men were deep in conversation—so absorbed in their words that they seemed oblivious to the world around them.
"Did you hear? Ajal had a man executed yesterday—for attempting to rebel," one man said.
"Yeah... word is, he has strange powers. Some say he can control minds," the other replied.
"Forget that—did you know he ordered a child to be executed? Today. At the palace. And the people... they'll go to watch. Like it's a celebration," the first man said.
Haman froze. The word child echoed in his mind like a bell tolling in a graveyard. Rage surged within him—hot, unrelenting.
The waiter approached Haman to take his order, but Haman was so overcome with anger that he abruptly rose and stormed out of the shop. The waiter watched him leave with puzzled eyes, muttering to himself, "What a strange man… could he not wait a moment?"
Haman, however, was known as a kind-hearted, patient, and honest man. People admired him and often praised his integrity. He was a man of justice—yet whenever he witnessed injustice, rage consumed him like a storm he could not control.
____
Haman reached the palace. Its gates were so massive that it took eight men to push them open. He entered, his steps heavy with fury.
The palace was magnificent, its grandeur dazzling to the eye. A vast lawn stretched before him; golden pillars rose to the skies; crystals glittered across the walls. But none of this mattered to Haman. His heart burned only with anger.
Inside, the great hall was filled with people. Upon a royal throne sat King Ajal, cloaked in majesty and cruelty alike. On the opposite side, two guards restrained a boy who looked no older than six. The child trembled as preparations were made for his execution.
Nearby, his mother stood weeping uncontrollably, begging for mercy. She pleaded that they take her life instead, sparing her son.
Haman could bear it no longer.
He drew his sword—a weapon with a reddish-brown hilt that seemed itself to radiate wrath, as if forged from anger to match its master. Etched upon its blade was a single name: Haman.
He surged forward, cleaving through the crowd, eyes blazing. With a roar, he attacked the guards, striking with the fury of justice. In a swift motion, he freed the child and lifted him into his arms.
Gasps filled the hall as Haman forced his way toward the gates. The moment had unfolded too quickly for most to comprehend.
From the throne, Ajal rose, his voice thunderous, cold as steel:
"Seize him and bring him to me."
_____
"Thank you! You saved my life," the child said as he clung tightly to Haman.
A wave of affection swept over Haman. He kissed the boy's forehead and replied,
"My son, as long as I'm here, no one can harm you."
The boy smiled.
"Man, I rescued this child, but I have no idea where to take him," Haman muttered.
Then an idea struck him—perhaps he could seek help from his friend.
Haman stopped in front of a house. It was neither too big nor too small, but it radiated a tranquility—
a serenity that calmed the soul,
that eased the restlessness of the heart,
and that words could never fully capture.
He knocked on the door. A man opened it.
"Haman? You? What brings you here—and with a child?" the man asked.
"There's no time for explanations. I need your help," Haman said urgently.
"Help? What kind of help?" the man asked in confusion.
"Are you not going to invite me inside? Or will you keep asking questions at the door?" Haman replied impatiently.
"My apologies. Please, come in," the man said.
Haman and the boy stepped inside. All three settled onto the sofas in the lounge.
Haman spoke:
"This boy was ordered to be executed by Ajal. He was to be hanged today, but I—"
"You saved him from Ajal's tyranny and brought him here," the man interrupted.
"Yes," Haman admitted.
"You're insane, Haman! Who does something like this? Is this any way to act?" the man exclaimed.
Before Haman could respond, the child interjected timidly, "Uncle… I'm hungry."
"Alright, my boy. I'll get you something to eat," the man said gently to the child, though he cast a glare of frustration at Haman.
Haman felt a twinge of embarrassment.
"Here you go! I hope you'll like these," the man said, placing a plate of chocolate cookies before the child. The boy's face lit up with joy.
"Now, where was I? Ah yes. Haman! You do realize Ajal will kill you for this. And still, you acted recklessly," the man continued.
The child's eyes widened with fear and confusion as he glanced between the two.
"Azam! Instead of appreciating me, you're criticizing me?" Haman said sharply.
"I'm not criticizing you, Haman. I'm saying every task has its own way of being done. And what you did was not the way. You've crossed Ajal. And Ajal never spares his prey," Azam explained firmly.
Before he could finish, Haman shot up in anger.
"Fine! If you won't help me, then don't—but don't stand here lecturing me. I'll find a way on my own."
He had barely taken a few steps when Azam grabbed his arm and said,
"Wait, Haman. Don't be angry. Sit down—we'll think of something together."
Reluctantly, Haman sat back down.
____
Meanwhile, inside the palace, Ajal raged with fury.
He ordered his guards to drive everyone out and clear the halls.
Storming through the corridors, he roared:
"Ungrateful traitor! You were nothing. I gave you a place in my palace. I made you my courtier—and this is how you repay me? They say it right: kindness is always met with betrayal. Haman, I will not spare you."
Fixing his eyes on Haman's portrait hanging on the wall, Ajal hissed:
"I won't give you an easy death. No… I'll give you such a death that you'll never wish for life again."
_____