The Machiavellian Pizarro held the captured Atahualpa for ransom. He was adamant about receiving a room filled with gold to the height of a man’s shoulder. This was taken as hyperbole at first, but Pizarro knew the gullible Incas would be munificent when it came to rescuing their sacred ruler. They did not procrastinate, and a frenetic collection of gold took place. Pizarro, to whom prevarication was natural in dealing with the Incas, had no qualms about executing their ruler as soon as he had the gold. The Inca Empire was moribund, but the charisma that surrounded Atahualpa was such that, after his death, the Incas fought on tenaciously in his name for several years. Eventually, superior weapons quelled all opposition. A policy of genocide was adopted by the Spanish conquerors, and almost all of these proud people died in the carnage that followed. The saga of an ancient civilization thus came to an end.
Pembahasan Singkat Vocabulary
- machiavellian
- adamant
- hyperbole
- gullible
- munificent
- sacred
- procrastinate
- frenetic
- prevarication
- qualms
- moribund
- tenacious
- quell
- carnage
- saga
- Machiavellian: Machiavellian refers to someone who is cunning, manipulative, and willing to use deceit or unscrupulous tactics to achieve their goals. It is derived from the political philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli.
- Adamant: Adamant describes someone who is firm, unyielding, or unwavering in their beliefs, opinions, or decisions. It implies a strong determination and refusal to be persuaded.
- Hyperbole: Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated or over-the-top statements or claims. It is used for emphasis or dramatic effect, rather than being taken literally.
- Gullible: Gullible describes someone who is easily deceived, tricked, or manipulated due to their naivety or lack of skepticism. It implies a tendency to believe things without questioning or doubting.
- Munificent: Munificent describes someone who is very generous, giving, or charitable. It implies a willingness to provide abundant or lavish gifts or support.
- Sacred: Sacred refers to something that is regarded as holy, divine, or spiritually significant. It is often associated with religious or reverential practices and beliefs.
- Procrastinate: Procrastinate means to delay or postpone tasks or actions, often out of habit or a tendency to avoid or put off work. It implies a tendency to prioritize less important activities over more urgent ones.
- Frenetic: Frenetic describes something that is fast-paced, chaotic, or frenzied. It implies a state of intense activity, often with a sense of urgency or excitement.
- Prevarication: Prevarication refers to the act of deliberately avoiding or evading the truth, often by giving misleading or ambiguous statements. It implies a tendency to be dishonest or deceptive.
- Qualms: Qualms are feelings of doubt, uneasiness, or hesitation, especially regarding moral or ethical issues. It suggests a sense of unease or reluctance.
- Moribund: Moribund describes something that is in a state of decline, stagnation, or approaching death. It implies a lack of vitality or energy.
- Tenacious: Tenacious describes someone who is persistent, determined, or unwilling to give up. It implies a strong grip or hold on something, whether it be physical or metaphorical.
- Quell: Quell means to suppress, pacify, or subdue something, often a disturbance, conflict, or emotion. It implies bringing something under control or calming it down.
- Carnage: Carnage refers to the widespread killing or slaughter of a large number of people, especially in a violent or bloody manner. It implies a scene of great destruction and loss of life.
- Saga: Saga refers to a long and complex story or series of events, often involving epic or heroic elements. It implies a narrative that spans a significant period of time.
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The Crimson Scepter: A Saga of Deception and Redemption
Mark Antony, a man honed in the Machiavellian arts, dreamt of claiming the sacred Crimson Scepter, the symbol of ultimate power. He possessed both tenacity and a silver tongue, capable of weaving elaborate webs of hyperbole to ensnare the gullible. Yet, a flicker of doubt, a nascent qualm, occasionally challenged his resolve.
Meanwhile, the once munificent King Corvus lay moribund. His heir, Princess Elara, a woman of fierce adamance, stood as the final barrier between Antony and the throne. Antony, ever the opportunist, spun narratives of imminent chaos. He painted Elara as incompetent, unfit to quell the brewing rebellion. His words, laced with calculated prevarication, sowed fear within the populace, making them susceptible to his manipulations.
Elara, though young, was no naive fool. She saw through Antony’s frenetic charade. However, faced with a divided court and mounting unrest, she procrastinated, unsure how to counter his venomous claims.
Then, a twist of fate intervened. An ancient prophecy surfaced, foretelling the rise of a sacred champion, wielding the legendary Sunstone Shield. This shield, it claimed, could quell even the most potent magic, a stark counter to Antony’s Machiavellian illusions.
Elara, fueled by a surge of hope, embarked on a perilous quest to find the shield. Her journey became a saga of courage and self-discovery. She faced monstrous creatures, navigated treacherous landscapes, and forged unlikely alliances. Through it all, her adamance and unwavering belief in her people’s strength never wavered.
Meanwhile, Antony, sensing his grip slipping, resorted to increasingly desperate measures. He orchestrated riots, fueled by fear and hyperbole. His once smooth facade faltered, revealing the ruthless manipulator beneath. He even dared to attack Elara directly, only to be met with the blinding light of the Sunstone Shield, dispelling his illusions and exposing his true intentions to the world.
The revelation sparked outrage. The tide turned against Antony. His carefully constructed house of cards collapsed, leaving him exposed and alone. In the ensuing battle, carnage erupted, but Elara, her spirit resolute, rallied her people. Antony, stripped of his illusions and faced with the raw courage he had tried to extinguish, faltered. His defeat was swift and absolute.
In the aftermath, Elara, hailed as the true champion, ascended the throne. Antony, stripped of his power and influence, faced the consequences of his actions. As for the Crimson Scepter, it remained untouched, a silent reminder that true power resides not in manipulation, but in the hearts of those who fight for what’s right. And so, the saga concluded, a testament to the triumph of truth over deceit, and the enduring power of courage in the face of darkness.