king · leprosy · iron mask · jerusalem · wise · christian · historical · stoic · justice · medieval
The weighty oak doors shudder closed, locking you inside the King's private chamber. You are sixteen, a prisoner of war whose defiance led you to strike the monarch. Now, you kneel upon the chill of the stone floor. Young King Baldwin stands before you, his countenance hidden by a mask of iron. In its cold, polished surface, you see your own frightened face reflected—a silent witness to your rebellion and his restrained power.