Redemption

Darkness consumes me. From above I can hear the distant sound of thunder rumbling ominously. Tears roll silently down my face as the wind blows with an intensity that tears at my battered clothing. The steel sword gripped in my hands is tarnished with the blood of my enemies. Even now in this desolate place I can still hear their last pleas for mercy. Gritting against the rain and cold I trudge deeper into the wilderness. The great redwoods of this forest loomed above me like sentinels, vast branches stretched outward obscuring my view of the sky. Traces of moonlight danced upon the path ahead of me.

Mud stains the bottoms of my boots. Where has the honor of the knighthood gone? My heart cannot bare the weight of this sin.

"Well look what we have here boys. A lone paladin of a most esteemed order."

The bandits' eyes glittered in the pre-dawn light. One of the brutes took a threatening step forward. A cocky grin filled with something animalistic widened further as he noticed my disheveled condition. " She'll make a fine catch for the boss."

A grim smile touches my lips. Death howls around me as I brace myself.

" Come then knave for I am your final destination in this life."

Sneering they advance with weapons drawn. My own broad sword comes within reach to parry the assault. Metal collides as the sound of battle resonates within my ears. Blood flows and soaks into the ground below. The ruffians' screams of terror pierce the night. Almost in a trance I begin my downward journey along the forest path once again. The wind echoes like a distant memory. Leaving behind more souls searching for resolution. My sword reflects with the light of the coming sun, for etched upon its blade are the runes of my Order. Now contaminated with a crimson tide. Vainly I try to cleanse it, to erase all deeds but to no avail. Blood remains etched upon its surface mocking me.

"My life is forfeit, I cannot go back nor can I go forward."

Forever trapped between duty and morality of one's superiors.

" Our leaders are nothing but ghosts that prey among the helpless, corruption that spreads even here. Why didn't I perceive it sooner?"

An agonized cry escapes from me. Water seeps into my trousers as I kneel in the mud. What shall I do now? A particular scent reaches my nose. This is much too familiar. Stirring I rise and head towards it beyond the tree line. As I peer out from my hiding spot a massive cloud of smoke engulfs my senses. From within the inferno, the sounds of a slaughter can be heard.* No.these actions must be prevented.. I won't let them.* Circling around I come to the entrance of the beleaguered village. Many of the simple wooden cottages were already ashes upon the ground. Townspeople ran in utter chaos from the solders' blades. A quivering elderly man stood near the forefront completely surrounded by the enemy. " By the order of his most royal Count Marcus, your township and all its assets are here by seized and all resistance will be met with your demise if necessary."

I step out from the shadows, the fires of hell itself reflect off my armor making it gleam with an inner radiance.

" Is this what you serve for now Daris, the butchering of innocents?!"

Before he could recover I charged into my former comrade, my sword arced though the air, piercing armor and flesh alike. Like some ill wind, all that opposed me fell into darkness; their lives resembled candles forever extinguished by my fury. Now only Daris remained standing before me. His eyes held the fevered glint of terror of one who knows the face of death.

"WHO.what are you? Stay away from me!"

My eyes go frigid as I approach him. A semblance of a smile forms on my face. A rather grotesque image I can imagine.

" I am a mere shade in this world. The one who is embodiment of your destruction and I will end this cycle of madness and sin committed by our former masters. For you see we are the instruments of our own making. I shall be a puppet for their amusement no longer!"

His voice held something queer, an almost tangible laughter escapes from him.

" This speech is coming from you, how quaint and completely foolish. You are nothing but a mere assassin like the rest of our Order, one born and bred to the obscenities of this world. A tool to be used by all who require your skills!"

He smiles then and looks over at the old man. Taking his blade he twists it around with such speed that his victim is beheaded without any thought.

" Do you see now Lady of the Crimson Blade that we are predators of this wilderness, our might makes us supreme over all."

A single crystalline tear falls to soak the ashes below. My soul is torn asunder, am I truly blind? The thought chills me more than any past deed. Metal flashes from the edge of my vision. I block the strike and counter with a maneuver of my own. Adrenaline pumps through my veins, igniting my anger to the killing edge. A most deadly dance of swords rings though out the early morning. Daris finally lunges for the final blow as I intentionally open my guard. All other sounds fade as my boot knife connects with his vulnerable abdomen. His mouth opens in surprise as I bring my other weapon around. Gripping the hilt tightly I plunge the blade deep into his chest, severing the connection between his heart and lungs.
Slowly his eyes glaze over to embrace his fate. With his last breath a single word is uttered. "Soldates." A word that would remain me for years to come. I look around at the remains of the village. Strangely enough the tiny chapel at the center still stood against the morning light. I approach it to see if anyone yet lived. The fires were all diminished.only gray threads of smoke continued to rise. Large ornate wooden doors swung open to reveal the few survivors of the raid. I walked slowly as to not startle them, palms faced away to show these people I meant no harm. At the very back of the chamber I notice the statue of Mary beckoning with open arms. Quietly I make my way there and kneel before it hoping that my sins wouldn't cause the ancient statue to shatter.

"Forgive me for I have sinned beyond what my spirit can take in this world. The blood of my enemies runs like a great river from my blades. They are the instruments to which I cannot atone for and it makes me weep inside. I cannot bare the weight.. Such a tremendous heaviness."

My voice cracks. I cannot find the power to speak another word. A warm hand touches my shoulder. I look though my grief to see a kindly brown haired man gazing at me with sympathy.

"If not for you dear Lady all of the villages here would be gone. We are grateful for your assistance and wish you no ill feelings. Please rest here, It is not much but."

A shy smile blooms on his face and he looks away blushing slightly. After what seemed like an eternity I finally stand and take his arm.

"A paladin such as myself must escort those in need. Where shall we go?"

For the first time I can see the sunrise lighting the windows of the chapel. A genuine smile of pleasure touches my face as the young man grins and says.

" To the bathing rooms of course. It seems the midwives found some clean trousers and shirts for you to ware." I laugh as we walk, reveling in this new feeling of happiness.

From within the statues' alcove a broad sword shines brightly in the morning sun. It's runes blaze with a golden radiance.

Authors note: this story was originally for my Arts project at college. Its inspired by Noir of course. ^_^ I wanted to explore the past of the Soldates a little then go into a more modern setting with Merielle and Kirika. That ending drove me insane * urge for a 2ed season is strong,* curse those final gunshots. :P