Title: Fallen
Written by: ExposedWiresExposedVeins
Prompt: #02 – "Apology"
Character: Duessel
Word Count: 545
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Duessel never thought that he would be facing the emperor of Grado in such a state. Upon reaching the castle, he felt the anxiety tear at his heart. As he inched closer to the throne, Obsidian could only think of the once-serene man he so admired and served without hesitation. What exactly would he face?
No, thought Duessel. I should not feel this way. The emperor has changed. His last order for me was to kill Selena, the Fluorspar! Is this rebellion? Killing Grado soldiers that blindly follow a corrupted ruler? Gods be merciful to these men.
Duessel already felt guilt as he cut down the Grado soldiers he once protected the throne with. Some he knew by face, and some he knew by fighting style.
"O-Obsidian…" The famed veteran looked in front of him to see one lone armored knight guarding the entrance of the throne room. The knight held up his lance in defense before asking, "W-what happened to you, sir? I've always had a conviction that you would never betray Grado. All of us soldiers did."
"Emperor Vigarde is not who he once was," Duessel answered. "Call me a traitor, call me what you will. I will not deny it. But I've realized that what the heir of Renais is doing is for the good of Grado."
"Can you really prove that?" the young knight countered in an instant, all the while pointing his lance at Obsidian's face.
"Please. I've no wish to fell another loyal soldier of Grado. But if you will not move, I will have to do what's necessary to reach Emperor Vigarde. Or at least what is left of him."
Not a second passed, and the soldier went in for a stab. Duessel swiftly dodged to the left and readied his silver axe, blood of fallen brethren drying on its blade.
Duessel swung his axe towards the knight's chest. The axe connected with armor, ripping a new gap into the protective enclosure.
The knight attempted to retaliate via a horizontal slice. Duessel immediately blocked with his axe in one hand. While the two were competing strengths, Duessel quickly pulled a short sword that was sheathed on his belt.
Before the youth knew what had happened, he fell face-first onto the floor, blood slowly seeping from under his body. "G-Grado…how we have fallen. Forgive us all for our descent…" At that, the youth drew his final breath.
"Grado forgive us," Duessel prayed silently as he stepped up to the entrance of the throne room, with a key in hand that was found in the deceased's possession. "Prince Ephraim. It is time."
As the heir of Renais grabbed the key from Obsidian and unlocked the door to the throne room, Duessel looked upon the face of the emperor. Emperor Vigarde's face revealed no emotion. No remorse. No anger. No fear. Nothing. He merely stood from his seat and grabbed a nearby spear.
"Emperor Vigarde. Why did you invade Renais?" Prince Ephraim questioned the crazed man.
The leader of Grado made no attempt to answer the question Ephraim asked. Instead, Vigarde charged at the two men with his spear.
An apology for what has happened, Grado. And what is to come, Duessel offered a prayer in his mind… We have fallen.
Fin.
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(Author's Notes): This was written for Challenge #02: "Apology" for the Magvel community on Livejournal. Thanks for reading. Feedback is welcome and appreciated.