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The consequences of absolute power

From banqueting halls to precious gems - Through the K hole looks at how the mighty can fall.

He sat at the far end of the banqueting hall on a high backed gilded chair next to the fire. She made her way toward him, trailing her finger tips along the sumptuous tapestries which lined the walls.

In the flickering torchlight she could make out hunting scenes and a narrative of the four seasons sewn onto the rich cloth.

Standing next to the scrolled arm of his chair was a decorative sword, a potent emblem of power. By his feet was a thick book covered in dust, a symbol of knowledge and on his head a heavy crown studded through with blood red rubies, an overt display of wealth.

As she approached him she saw that he was slumped in his chair. His tongue a piece of salted beef and his face a spent candle dripping ceraceous death.

Next to his curled fingers was a simple wooden chalice and carved into its lip, in a tight line of cuneiform letters, were the words 'Commissioning Cup'.

Absolute power and excess had finally destroyed him.

Dr Kevin Hinkley is a GP in Aberdeen

Through the K hole - credit HaPe Gera, Flickr

Through the K hole - credit HaPe Gera, Flickr