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Author Topic: The longest path  (Read 1453 times)

Aphel

A Dream It was the last dusk
« Reply #20 on: February 07, 2014, 08:02:08 am »
A Dream
 
It was the last dusk before the long night, the defenders freezing in the cold, hungry and already tired from fighting treachery and sickness of both mind and body. On the horizon, darkness rolled closer and within it the legion of jagged claws, drooling maws, twisted many-eyed madness. Generals had made their speeches, instructed the chain of command – but not before long, it would be each woman and man for himself.
A silhouette stepped onto the plain between the two battle lines, a man with long grey hair, a ragged grey cloak and a battle-worn plate armor. Other knights of similar appearance joined him, their movements slow as if they had all the time of all ages to get ready. A ragged, silent line, dull reflections and a somber mood.
He joined them, stepping forward, feeling his cloak's heavy weight despite it being torn by war, bleached by the sun and rain. All eyes on him, until he reached the line. The tallest among the knights turned around and rested his hand on his shoulder. His face was hidden behind a visor that resembled a human face, or maybe a skull, lacking any distinguishing features aside from the ankh on the forehead.
“And so, the banner returns.”
His voice was deep, as if it had crawled from the depth of time and space itself to make even the bones of the world reverberate with the sound of conviction and faith.
“Join our line, brother, where you truly belong.”
The paladin nodded and stepped beside him.
 
“From the beginning of time, we have stood our vigil.”
The words came from his lips, he spoke in unison with the man next to him. And the knights answered as one, with loud, deep voices.
WE HAVE PURPOSE.
“We watched from the silent void, unweavering.”
WE HAVE PURPOSE.
Blades were readied. The enemy was closing now.
 
“You chosen ones! What is your purpose?”
TO STAND GUARD AND TO FIGHT FOR HIM UNTIL OUR DUTY ENDS.
“You chosen ones! When does your duty end?”
NOT EVEN IN DEATH, FOR OUR VIGIL IS ETERNAL.
“You chosen ones! It is the dawn and dusk of time!”
SOON, WE SHALL BE FREE!
 
There seemed to be more voices now than before, and William didn't dare to look back. He knew that from the dust and dirt, shapes grew, crawled, and rose. He could feel their presence of their souls that had been called upon, those faithful that had always been standing ready at the border. Those of the living called by Toran, those came and joined the ranks and joined the legion that would break all waves and storms.
It was war in its purest form, all-consuming and engulfing. The end of it would mark the end of time and beginning of a new one, and he knew he would not see it but instead, make it possible.