To Defeat the Dragons
Title: To Defeat the Dragons
Rating: G
Word Count: 329
Author's Note: This was written for brigits_flame as a Just For Fun entry. The prompt was 'Strike'. I think I used it rather vaguely here, but I meant it in a sort of military sense.
We look at the darkened path in front of us, our fingers clasped uneasily around the cold hilts of our swords. Everything is too quiet, too still but we both know there is nothing left for us to say. Instinctively, I take his free hand. As our fingers intertwined, I realize how much my brother is shaking.
He is afraid but it is almost impossible to tell with the look he has in his eyes: determined, resolute, unwavering-even when they were clouded with tears. So very scared, but still standing so strong.
And isn’t that what bravery truly is?
Suddenly, the beast’s roars break the silence; its defiance forever unchanged. Mockingly it calls for us to fight the same useless crusade our ancestors have all suffered for; the everlasting battle that our heirs will also join long after we are forgotten. Never-ending and meaningless because, whether we lived or died today, this circle of death and destruction would just begin again.
Beside me, my brother nods. It is time. I hesitate for a moment before I look at him and nod back. Both of us are in tears now, but he is brave enough to offer me a reassuring smile. And I suddenly realize that facing death will not be pointless, so long as I face it with him.
So, hand in hand, we take those last steps towards the roars that have plagued our kingdom for so long. Today, we join a futile battle, but isn’t that every prince’s destiny? Aren’t we all born to march into combat, to fight the good fight and to die a glorious death-no matter how little peace it might bring? This is no different, only we are both fortunate enough not to have to face it alone; and in that small consolation, we can both find the courage we need.
And thus, without a backward glance, we go forth. Two princes fulfilling their destiny, ready to strike the dragon dead.
Rating: G
Word Count: 329
Author's Note: This was written for brigits_flame as a Just For Fun entry. The prompt was 'Strike'. I think I used it rather vaguely here, but I meant it in a sort of military sense.
We look at the darkened path in front of us, our fingers clasped uneasily around the cold hilts of our swords. Everything is too quiet, too still but we both know there is nothing left for us to say. Instinctively, I take his free hand. As our fingers intertwined, I realize how much my brother is shaking.
He is afraid but it is almost impossible to tell with the look he has in his eyes: determined, resolute, unwavering-even when they were clouded with tears. So very scared, but still standing so strong.
And isn’t that what bravery truly is?
Suddenly, the beast’s roars break the silence; its defiance forever unchanged. Mockingly it calls for us to fight the same useless crusade our ancestors have all suffered for; the everlasting battle that our heirs will also join long after we are forgotten. Never-ending and meaningless because, whether we lived or died today, this circle of death and destruction would just begin again.
Beside me, my brother nods. It is time. I hesitate for a moment before I look at him and nod back. Both of us are in tears now, but he is brave enough to offer me a reassuring smile. And I suddenly realize that facing death will not be pointless, so long as I face it with him.
So, hand in hand, we take those last steps towards the roars that have plagued our kingdom for so long. Today, we join a futile battle, but isn’t that every prince’s destiny? Aren’t we all born to march into combat, to fight the good fight and to die a glorious death-no matter how little peace it might bring? This is no different, only we are both fortunate enough not to have to face it alone; and in that small consolation, we can both find the courage we need.
And thus, without a backward glance, we go forth. Two princes fulfilling their destiny, ready to strike the dragon dead.