Hey readers,
This is just a piece I had to write for an English assignment, I turned it into a one-shot, but I am currently working on a sequel to "Rose Among the Thorns". It's only very slightly a sequel, and it takes inspiration from this story as well... so treat this as a bit of a sneak peek.
DustyPhoenix
At this early hour, the sky was still dark with sleep, the clouds heavy with rain. Flashes of lightening illuminated the sky. It was eerily quiet on the battlefield. Then they appeared through the mist, a pin prick of light crested the hill. It was soon joined by many others, quickly gathering into ranks, forming an army, which would soon meet our own. As they approached, their faces became clearer, and I realised that the tyrant king had done the inevitable. He had gathered an army of creatures of evil, Minotaurs, demons, giants and sprites all prepared to fight alongside his own men. I was suddenly terrified.
Over the past weeks, I had transformed from a lowly court lady, beneath any man's notice, and here I was, a warrior leading the rebellion against the cruel king who had suddenly come to power. I had left the protection of the castle. The freedom of breaking boundaries was glorious, but, there were times of fear, such as this. But I gathered my courage, and nodded to my second in command Darius, the time had come. I glanced swiftly with pride, at the scores of soldiers, lined behind me, centaurs, fauns, and humans, then turned back to the forthcoming adversaries.
They halted, a hundred paces from our forces, and both armies paused to watch the first light of day, break over the horizon. It was a beautiful moment, as both sides remained silently at peace, observing and appreciating the rising sun of a new day.
Then it began, all of a sudden they were upon us. Spells were flying ubiquitously, swords rang, metal on metal, arrows were released. Through it all, a sorceress stood calmly amidst the fighting men, flames flying from her fingertips, burning, scalding my men. But the gods granted us mercy, the heavens cracked open, and rain fell, pouring sizzling, stamping out the fires. It was a magnificent dance, almost graceful, the men fought with precision and skill, but some succumbed to the brute force of the enemy. Men were falling, here and there, the enemy, and my own.
This could go on no longer, men were fighting their own kin, those who had remained at the castle and had been forced to fight by the King. I sought Darius through the smoke and dust; he soon caught my eye amid the combat, and immediately understood what I meant to do, before he could protest, I turn my horse, and galloped towards the castle that loomed up through the mist. I was alone among the enemy.
It's very short, I know, but I liked it, constructive criticism is welcome, and remember to look for my new story...
Ty.
DP