The Scapegoat - By Esandi Insari Rathnayaka

Written By: Esandi Insari Rathnayaka

Category: Fantasy and Betrayal

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Esandi Insari Rathnayaka presents a gripping tale of "The Scapegoat," a fantasy short story that intertwines themes of betrayal and power struggles. Featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece invites readers into a world where alliances are tested and the weight of past decisions looms large. Set in a grand courtroom filled with tension, Rathnayaka's narrative explores the intricate dance of loyalty and guilt in a realm on the brink of war.

About the Work

The atmosphere in "The Scapegoat" is thick with tension, as the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of political alliances and personal guilt. Rathnayaka masterfully crafts a narrative filled with vivid imagery and a palpable mood of unease. Through the protagonist's internal conflict and the charged courtroom debates, the story challenges the notion of loyalty and the sacrifices it demands. The intricate character dynamics and the haunting reminder of past transgressions create a compelling exploration of duty and betrayal.

The Scapegoat

Original Submission by Esandi Insari Rathnayaka

The Scapegoat

By Esandi Insari Rathnayaka

The Court room stretched endlessly. All the white jade and gold on the walls gleamed too bright to be natural. Sunlight spilled through the tall windows, soft and warm. It painted the floor in dangerously gentle patterns. Never had I thought I’d be afraid of the sun so much. For it to be so kind.

The ceilings stretched impossibly high, chandeliers hanging like captured stars ready to fall.

‘They might as well hit me in the head when they do.’

At the far end, the throne waited, drawing all eyes on their Queen. Regal and untouchable. Cold and commanding. Daring the hearts of the Noble Lords and Ladies in the court room.

Gwendolyn, High Lady of Mystel, glared not at the queen, but me. My eyes lowered on her but my jaw held up high, I stood beside the queen, my palm on my sword’s hilt.

‘Why did mother insisted me to speak on this debate, if she knows that I would most likely stand with whatever they want from us? She must’ve known by now that I would do anything to explain myself for the fall of The Peace Rebellion.’

Everyone in this hall were those whom I fought for and bled with. Leonidas, now my betrothed, stands on the other side of the throne where my brother and father used to sit in the throne room. He filled their posts with a very heavy heart. I didn’t get a chance to apologize to him for all the things he gave up for me. The life he sacrificed, His love that is no longer his.

His eyes were fixed on Circe, who was standing among the nobles on the side. She’s quiet and every second of her silence is a needle picking my heart, a reminder that I’d ruined her life as well. But, of course she didn’t voice it. She’d never been someone who complains about the things she had lost, especially when it had been stolen by the princess. The thought made my stomach twist, guilt sharp and merciless.

Gwen arrived with Mystel and Frostfang troops this morning, claiming to discuss about the current situation between Ironclaw and Frostfang borders. High Lady Greta could not leave the capital for the time being, so High Lady Gwendolyn would represent the Frostfang on behalf of her.

After Kian’s death, The Peace Rebellion split, all 5 nations drifted apart. But Mystel and Frostfang were still in contact. There’d been no word from Scylla, High Lady of Tides, ever since then. Leonidas reported that she had gathered up the last of her injured troops and gone back into the waters, isolating from the world and this war.

I was given the post of the High General for my ‘victory’ against…Kian, several months ago. I walked down the steps for the debate, carrying so much guilt with me. It ate me alive every passing second since…since he…

I clenched my jaw, veins visible, as my throat closed in itself. As if the shame took a human form and was strangling me. My head was lowered the entire way down.

“The subject before the council,” The queen stood and initiated the discussion.

“Frostfang is on the verge of war with Ironclaw. Now, do provide aid and troops to our Frostfang ‘allies’ or do we stay out of it?” she spared a glance at me.

Oh no.

I shot my head up, my muscles tensed up all over again. I didn’t think that was possible. One glance and I already know why I’m here.

“Keep in mind, my decision on this matter is not subject to Court’s approval. The only person you have to convince is me. The Court grants you to voice, High Lady Gwendolyn. You may proceed.” she sat down, her arms on either side of the throne’s arms.

Gwen bowed, bending only her head, revealing that she appreciated the opportunity for her to show respect but not enough to actually let herself be wrapped up how ever the queen wants her. Such a silent but loud gesture. The council whispered, among them the Divine priest observed unbothered. The queen frowned a little.

“When nations clashed and fell into ruin, we made a promise. We formed the Peace Rebellion. We needed allies for support, soldiers and a chance.” Gwen steps up.

“May I remind who provided those for us? Frostfang. In return they didn't ask for money or land. Only the promise that we'd lend a hand when needed and stand with them if they fought against oppressors.

“Ironclaw lost their King, their heir been held in custody in their rival kingdom. A tragedy indeed. ‘Trapped in Divine walls’ they say. Revolution is a mess, demons on the brink of insanity. Lost hope for a future of their nation. Ironclaw is not in their right mind right now, and their neighbouring cities of Frostfangs are caught in the crossfire,”

She continued to list the suffering cities and number of dead. My gut twisted, as I watch her. The outcome was tremendously devastating. I was taken a back when I learned of that Gwen, of all people, is here for aid. They were desperate. I saw her grasp on the stroll on her hand ,listing the damage, tightened.

“All they ask of your Divine Majesty is her generous assistance on this substantial matter.”

Gwen knew I was here to oppose but I would rather not have this debate. Seeing her today, reminded me that I am just a traitor who wouldn’t help a friend in need! She glared at me from a corner of her eye like I knew nothing of loyalty.

Nothing.

Desperate to rise above my station. Everything I’d done betrays the ideals of my nation.

“Thank you, High Lady Gwendolyn. Lead General Rhea, your response.” The council turned their attention to me. The Traitorous Warrior Princess.

I didn’t speak for a long moment. Looks were exchanged. I heard the whispers getting so loud and they were nerve wrecking.

“Why did the queen even let her in here?”

“She’s ought to give support no matter what they ask”

“Tsk. Such a waste of our resources.”

“I bet they’d ask for gold to put out a fire, and she’ll give the very jewels on her mother’s neck on a silver platter.”

That’s it. No more.

I swallowed down the heat in my throat and stepped forward.

“High Lady Gwendolyn, you must be out of your right mind if you think the Divine Queen shall bring her nation to the brink of meddling in the middle of this military mess.”

The court gasped.

Gwen widened her eyes and turned her head to me so fast, I was sure her neck might have cracked in the process. She frowned and mouths a ‘what?’

“Ironclaw is king-less, yes but, the Divine Queen has never signed a treaty with High Lords and Ladies in The Peace Rebellion. The Peace Rebellion existed only because I took part in it. I fought battles for peace in which I’ve failed to honor the promises I made, justice I sought. But the Rebellion is no more and neither is the treaty. Ironclaw may duel in chaos but we are still foes in brutal battle.

“Stepping into this battle will only leave our soldiers with nothing but death. They will fall like moths drawn to a never ending flame of destruction!”

I’d traded my tongue for a snake’s. The venom poisoned my very own being. The burn, the pain of a slow stab in the back that isn’t mine, creeps onto my friends’.

Forgive me…

“Wow, that was unexpected.”

“Nonetheless, she’s also a traitor to her rebellious friends now.”

“It’s like being slapped in the face no matter where she turns her head”

Gwen came towards me “But now is the time to stand. Stand with your friends as we fight against chaos, Rhea. You would rather let innocent people die in that ‘never ending flame of destruction’ than help them at a cost of a few burns. They’ve lost so much, Rhea!”

“Don’t talk to me about LOSS, Gwendolyn!” I snapped. She stepped back. Her usual calm covered in frightened distress.

“Enough! The Lead General is right.” The queen stood.

“Your majesty!?” Gwen shouted in desperation.

“Frostfang is too fragile to start another fight. Even if we lend you our soldiers, will Frostfang handle another war not only near the borders but also in the middle of these cities. Principles aside, Ironclaw is out of control for us to even get close to their borders.”

“But your majesty, do we not fight for people, regardless of our differences in nations or kingdoms?”

“Certainly, when the Frostfang figure out if those cities are worth saving for the sacrifice of my men.”

“Families are being burnt, children are being killed! Frostfang can not possibly hold on any longer. High Lady Greata is in no condition to bear anymore loss. She’s fighting for her people even in her weakened state because they shall stand with their ideals.”

“Frankly it's a little disquieting that you would let your ideals blind you to reality, High Lady.” she swept up her cape behind her regal gown. She turned, ending the heated debate.

“My decision is made… General,”

“Your Majesty,” I flinched.

“Draft the statement of neutrality.”

“Of course.”

I stood still. The court was dismissed, the High Priest watched me and left. The nobles and other generals below my station left the court room behind one another.

I stood still. I remained standing still.

Gwen was left beside me rigid, her fists clenched at her sides and her knuckles turned white, veins twitch. She stared at her feet, her eyes dark, jaw tight and teeth grinding. Her every muscle seemed poised to snap as if she’s forcing herself to stay still, while a low, restrained tension hums through her.

What could have she hoped from this? That I would wield my sword to whatever side they expect? I didn’t turn my back on her because of what the nobles said. I didn’t do this on my will. I had no choice.

One glance from the queen and I knew why I was here.

A Test.

If I didn’t agree with Gwen I know there would be no turning back. I knew there would be no turning back even if I agreed either. A shiver of humiliation run up my spine for what I had become.

A Scapegoat.

This was all my mother’s doing. She knew I would not disappoint her again. She knew I am afraid. She could cover up the fact that she’s the one who didn’t really want to help Frostfang, by putting the blame on me. And all she had to do was look at me with those manipulating eyes.

I didn’t want that cursed circlet on my head ever again. I remembered how it sucked out my soul and burnt me till I collapsed again and again on the cold ground of that cell. Drifting out of consciousness and waking up not knowing if I was still alive or not. No, I would not be going down that road.

“Have you forgetten Kian already?” It was a long time before she spoke,

“What?” I looked at her.

“Have you an ounce of regret in that stone for a heart of yours?”

She’s angry, I knew that. She’s upset I didn’t stand up for Greta. What I’d said and done today only proves that even if or when Mystel also need help, I would be the last person to save them. I became the bridge between our kingdoms when we built the Peace Rebellion and I became the flame to destroy it all as well.

Self-destruction.

“You have thrown away remorse and you have accumulated power. Yet in our days of need you forge everything we fought for. Everything YOU fought for. Everything you told US to fight for.”

“Greta is a smart leader, she'll be fine, And before Kian was your friend he was mine. If we try to fight in every battle between nations, where do we draw the line?” I spit back.

“Can’t we find peace by stepping back for once? All I- all we did was fight, fight, fight. The blood we shed it never dries!” This must had been the loudest I’d been in this court room. One day I would fix this. One day…But not today.

“So quick witted… I bet you are quite a Lead General…Although, someone ought to remind you.” Gwen stepped back to her troops, she turned and began walking away. Her hands behind her back, posture straight, regained her composure and intimidation.

“Which is?” I turned towards her retrieving back.

“You're nothing without the Queen behind you.”

“Rhea.” The queen called out from the end of the hall, behind the throne.

“Run along, Mommy's calling.” And then she left, like she didn’t just stab that venomous blade right through my chest, piercing and shattering the stone for a heart of mine.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform showcasing diverse voices in contemporary literature. This competition celebrates creativity across genres, offering writers worldwide the opportunity to share their unique narratives. With no emphasis on awards or rankings, it fosters a community of writers passionate about crafting compelling stories and poems, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of global literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Esandi Insari Rathnayaka for their evocative contribution, "The Scapegoat," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of complex themes within a fantastical setting has provided readers with a richly woven tale of intrigue and emotion. We appreciate your participation and look forward to more of your insightful storytelling in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.