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Showing results for tags 'A tale of war'.
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I heard them. I heard the words that signaled the beginning of the end. The beginning of death. I swallowed hard, clenched my hand tight around the reins, and just- stopped. Around me, other companies of cavalry and foot soldiers, captains and pikemen surged forward into the brewing storm. Veterans and newcomers alike plunged straight into the jaws of the lion, each unwavering in their commitment to their ultimate fate. And in that moment, I couldn’t think. I could only see images of them, the soldiers. Kissing their wives goodbye, saying hello to their newborn child, playing in the street as a child, sharpening their blades. I saw them dying. I saw their wives weeping. I saw their children crying, “Where’s daddy?” A tremor of fear coursed through my body. Throughout my entire life, I had been known as the strongest, the best, and the bravest. In my mind’s eye, I could still see that wide-eyed cadet glancing up at me, admiration shining in his eyes. On the outside, I was years apart from that cadet, both in age and experience. But when it came down to this moment, on the inside, I knew I possessed that same clammy sense of fear that threatened to overtake my senses. I had faced countless battles, hundreds of covert extractions, and innumerable brushes with death. Yet never before had I held the lives of literally thousands in my scarred hand. Whether they would ever return home to see their families… that would be decided by just a few men. Now that I was called “General”, I was the one who possessed that responsibility, that duty. Just as diving headfirst into a pit of vipers was deadly, so too was waiting on the edge, ignorant of the horde of scorpions at my back. I couldn’t afford to hesitate. Not any longer. I raised my sword high into the air. “Heaven forgive me,” I whispered to myself. And then I shouted that word that would forever haunt me. “CHARGE!” **** Though I'll probably not have too much time for Bzpower, I'll try and linger around in the Library, both writing and reviewing when I can. However, my short stories won't likely be BIONICLE based... unless I get in a random mood and inspiration hits me. That said... it's good to be back, ya'll. -JG