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Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

0 posted 2003-09-19 08:33 PM

The battle had lasted 11 months.  Countless dead returning
on wagons like heaped wood awaiting the fires.  The
wounded staggering slowly homeward as an occasional
warrior would fall from the ranks, life ebbing away.

An endless stream of messengers reported hourly of the
carnage, the strength of their forces, the progress that
had been made or lost.  Fear in their eyes betraying the
worry that each held behind silent lips.

Pacing, the King showing his anger and his anxiety.
Hoping that some miracle might come from the
toils of his wizard.   Unsure of anything except
the certainty that there would be one victor and
one who would die gallantly to the last man.

The castle, empty for days of women and children.
Taken away under cover of darkness to a distant
cave.  Horrid conditions, this place where a dragon
had once lain.   Slain by the mighty sword of Karbar,
most feared Dragon Slayer of the realm....of the
earth.

The glow of raging fires seen in the night skies.
Momentarily blocking out the myriad of stars
that shone in the heavens.   A full Autumn moon
betraying the hiding places of those set to
ambush the reinforcements.   Eight thousand
men had marched gallantly away.....and to date,
half have returned slain or grievously wounded.

Will the war end before the embers grow cold?
Can warriors fight fiercely in spite of having
not rested for days?   Sleep did not come easy
in battle.  For horrid dreams consumed their
rest and many woke screaming hellish sounds.

Time becomes nigh for both.....For one would
carry away the flag of victory....and one shall
crawl away.....broken, bloodied and
homeless...scattering like scalded
dogs...

[This message has been edited by Magnus (09-19-2003 08:43 PM).]