Chapter Eleven – A New Legend Rises

“On one of the days she was being transferred, a new group of prisoners were being brought through. Nothing out of the ordinary really, many prisoners were brought in every day, this group however, were much more passive than the usual. Normally new prisoners would be fighting and screaming, this group simply sat in the wagon in complete silence. My mother was used to the routine, she was taken from her cell, to the weapons room, then to the pits to fight. Due to the lack of morale of the prisoners, guards had become lax and lazy over the years. They spent most of their shifts drinking, leaving their posts, sleeping and gambling, anything they could to keep themselves amused”.
Clara and Danielle were sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation.
“There were six of them in total”. Willow stood and returned to the bookshelf, picking out the book she was after immediately.
“This book contains all the great heroes of the land, the six I’m referring to also included my father then later my mother, but that’s a whole different story”.
Danielle smiled. “That’s so incredible, I’m sure you’ve already made them proud with what you’ve accomplished”.
A tear formed in the corner of Willows eye as she hugged the book tightly. “Thank you, Danielle, I know they were and would still be if they were here today”.
She took a deep breath in and exhaled. “As I was saying, this book contains drawings and details of all the great heroes”. She flicked open the book and placed it down on the table.
“First we have Aisling, she’s a Dryad, very highly tuned to offensive and healing magic. She usually spends most of her time healing her comrades during battle or wielding great magic from afar to put pressure on the enemy”.
Danielle looked closely at the book. “So she’s super-hot and a freaking badass! Is it just me or is it getting hot in here again”. She began to fan herself again as Clara shook her head in amusement.
Willow continued. “Yes, but not only that…Don’t let her innocent appearance fool you, she’s deadly with a spear and bow as well”.
Danielle slipped back on the sofa. “Oh, lordy its hot in here”.

Willow coughed. “Moving on. Next, we have a interesting pair, Havok and Mayhem, they’re Goblins, extremely dangerous together, totally unpredictable alone. Although small in height they make up for it greatly in their skills, again when they’re together its best not to cross their path”.
“Havok is highly praised for his deadly techniques at close range, using the cover of shadows to kill before the target is even aware they’ve been attacked. He is also a master alchemist, most of his work is with poisons which often lead to him getting a little carried away. He once created a poison that with one drop would cause severe diarrhea…He poured gallons of the stuff into an encampments water supply”.
Both Clara and Willow winced.
Willow smiled awkwardly. “Yeah…it was just as bad as you’re imagining”.
“Mayhem however is the real brains of the operation. She’s a munitions expert and she loves her job…Sometimes a little too much. She creates all kinds of weird, wacky, and extremely dangerous weaponry and gadgets. The explosion we saw in the vision before must have been one of her remote bombs, useful for distraction and destruction. If it weren’t for her wildness, she’d be the perfect person to have by your side but her obsession with fire normally leads to problems. They keep each other under check when they’re together which is why they’re never sent out alone…For the safety of their allies mostly”.
Danielle put a hand up. “Oookkk, I’ll admit to it now, I was going to make a three-way joke, but now I’m terrified of what the hell would happen and recant my comment”.
Willow chuckled. “Yes, I would highly recommend it would be best to avoid them, especially if they’re working”.

“Next up is Riobard, who by the way, would love to meet you”. She nodded at Danielle.
Danielle’s brow furrowed. “Me? Why?”
“Riobard is a Satyr and quite the charmer, he specializes in music, singing and wooing men, women, animals, pretty much anything or anyone he can really. He carries around a lute, a pan flute and a fiddle in order to channel his magic. He specializes primarily in support but can quite often become bored and distracted when things are going well. This gave Mayhem a great idea which led to her stealing his instruments and customizing them”.
Clara smirked. “From what you said earlier, I imagine these customizations are deadly and dangerous and probably not what you want from an instrument?”
Willow smiled. “You’re absolutely correct, she managed to make them into multi-use weapons. His lute was reinforced with stronger materials, still very light in weight, but reinforced and altered to be used as a mace or axe. His pan flute was given hidden compartments beneath it containing poison and explosive darts, with help from Havok of course. Lastly his Fiddle was reinforced like his lute, and the strings strengthened to allow for it to be used as a short bow.
Clara and Danielle cried out in unison. “Holy shit”.
Willow nodded. “Yes indeed, like I said Havok and Mayhem are insane, yet brilliant”.
Danielle laughed. “I want them to customize my car!”
Willow shook her head. “Believe me, you’d regret it”.

“Next we have Vasiliki. She is a Harpy and by far possibly the most dangerous of the group”.
Danielle looked closely at the book. “She’s the most dangerous? Says here she’s only four foot ten”.
Willow grinned. “Havok and Mayhem are only just over three feet”.
Danielle pursed her lips. “Fair point, please continue”.
Danielle continued. “With a total of twelve razorlike claws, each around six inches long and a twelve foot wingspan allowing her to reach speeds of up to forty miles per hour, her height is more of an advantage than a disadvantage”.
Danielle gulped. “Forget I said anything, she’s definitely more than capable of looking after herself”.
Willow snickered. “That’s not even the worse of it, Vasiliki was raised from an egg by The Shadow Knighthood, they regularly tortured her and trained her to be ruthless in the pit”.
Clara gasped. “That’s horrific”.
Willow held up a hand to stop her. “Fortunately for her, but incredibly unfortunate for them, when a rescue team came to release the prisoners of her encampment, she was in the training grounds with half of the base either training around her or watching the events. By the time the group got to her she had slaughtered them all.
Danielle’s jaw dropped. “Christ, how long did it take them to reach her?”
Willow scanned down the book. “That’s not been recorded, but the encampment was a relatively small one so I’d imagine not as long as you’d expect”.
“Apparently, they were able to identify a total of fifty bodies from the militia’s log, the rest were so brutally savaged and mutilated they were unable to match body parts together. Needless to say she was quickly recruited by my father”.
Clara and Danielle’s faced were completely drained of blood as they continued to listen intently.

“Well seeing as I clearly have your attention, last but not least we have Ikal, he was a Shaman and otherwise known as my fathe…”
Danielle leant in closer to the book. “Otherwise known as freaking hot is what he is, I’d let him teach me a spell or two”.
Clara and Willow both sat wide eyed staring at her.
Danielle looked back and forth at them both. “I said that out loud didn’t I? I’m just gonna sit back down and keep my mouth shut…Sorry…Please continue”. Danielle’s face went bright red as she sat back into the sofa.
Willow still in shock let her eyes wander. “Yes…Carrying on”.
Danielle mimed a sorry.
“As I was saying, he was the leader of this group and was an extremely powerful spell caster. As Clara will know, most spells need prep work or additional reagents to cast. My father managed to coexist with the elements and nature and was able to cast spells in the blink of an eye. He was highly accomplished in all varieties of melee combat and would always lead the front lines into battle. He used to tell me when I was young. “A good leader leads from the front, a great leader ensures his allies survive, a true leader accomplishes his purpose without shedding blood on either side”.
Willow sniffed and took a deep breath.
“He hated combat and would always try his hardest to avoid it, but he was smart enough to know sometimes things become unavoidable and once things are in motion they can’t be stopped”.
Clara intervened Willows speech. “Sounds like your father truly was an incredible person”.
Willow sniffed again. “He really was, he and my mother managed to rescue thousands of prisoners and reunite so many families”
Willow wiped away a tear.
“Everything they believed in is what I hope to carry on and finally accomplish myself one day”.

They all sat in silence for a minute, the once happy atmosphere now awash with the pain and suffering of memories long since passed.
Clara broke the silence first. “So how did the story finish? How did your mother get free and how did all of this begin with them?”
Willow looked up from her lap rubbing her eyes. “I’m so sorry, I got completely sidetracked”.
She placed the book down and got up to collect another, flipping through the pages she stopped about halfway before returning to her seat.
“I know the story off by heart but when it comes to telling it I think it’s always best to refer to the facts as they were written”. She held the book up to them before reading.
“My mother watched as the new prisoners were brought in, their movements emotionless, the guards taunted and prodded them with their weapons ruthlessly yet none of them reacted.
Their hands and feet were chained together in a line leaving little room for movement, my father at the front and Aisling at the rear. As they were forced from the wagon, Aisling stumbled due to the chains hitting the ground hard. The guards merely laughed as the rest of the prisoners stood and waited obediently, one of the guard knelt down before her, a disgusting smile slithered across his lips as he whispered something in her ear”.
Willow paused for a moment placing a finger on the page.
“My mother never found out what he said or what Aisling replied but she very clearly remembered the fear that slowly grew on his face as the blood drained and he staggered backwards before throwing up into a barrel nearby”.
Both Clara and Danielle nodded in admiration. Willow then continued her story.
“Aisling remained on the ground smiling before turning towards my mother as a sudden storm erupted above them, all the guards looked up as the thunder and lightning crackled through the sky, a bolt shot directly down in the center of the six causing an eruption of dust and smoke, blinding everyone in the vicinity. My mother was far enough away to not be affected and watched as the rain began to pour and the smoke dissipated.
Havok, Mayhem, Vasiliki, and Aisling were gone, only my father and Riobard remained. Riobard pulled a pan flute from his kilt and began to play. The guards nearby coughed away the excess smoke and got back to their feet, readying their weapons as they realized the prisoners had broken free of their chains and four were missing.

My mother stood and watched as the guards beside her charged over to the reinforce the rest of the troup, another rang the bell to warn every one of the escape attempts. One of the guards barked an order at my father and Riobard to drop their weapons and surrender. My father did not move, he remained in front of Riobard who continued to play. The guard shouted again more aggressively, still neither reacted. As Riobard came to the end of his tune he slowly lowered the pan flute to reveal a devilishly sly smile.
A guttural cry rang out from behind her, the guard manning the watch tower had disappeared. A cry from another tower echoed into the yard, another guard gone. The rest of the yard moved to defensive positions, encircling my father and Riobard while others began pouring in from the barracks, more cries calling out from various directions at once.
My father opened his arms wide and spoke confidently. “Gentlemen, I wish none of you any harm, the cries you heard just now are those of panic and fear, not of death. My orders were clear that no blood be spilled and this order shall remain…Unless however, you choose to not abide by my request, then I will be served no choice but to renege that order”.
As the guard that was issuing orders smiled and was about to speak my father interrupted him.
“Please note that you should not feel as though you cannot act for yourselves, if you lay down your arms you will be unharmed, your commanders will not be able to save you anymore than they will be able to save themselves. Please, heed my warnings before making your decision”.
The guards smile only grew as he raised his arm to give the order.
“Take them down dead or alive, same goes with the others, find them and…” He stopped mid speech as two bodies dropped with a thunderous crack in front of him. Their bodies mangled and bloody from the drop, the rain spreading their blood into the sand. He looked up to see Vasiliki above him swooping down, her claws sunk into his skull, piercing deeply before his cries could escape, her other leg grabbing his chest and ripping his head cleanly from his shoulders.
Another guard from the rear began to shout orders, but only managed ‘Atta…’ before Havok dropped from above, slitting his throat. Havok continued jumping from one to another killing them swiftly before they could scream, his strokes precise and deadly.
An explosion in the barracks was heard in the distance as smoke and fire flooded out from the entryway, guards ran screaming from the doorway, their bodies aflame as they began dropping dead before they could be aided. Mayhem casually strolled out armed with a torch and a pouch full of grenades as the screaming continued all around her.

In the center of the yard the guards began making their charge towards my father and Riobard but were stopped in their tracks as thick vines erupted from the ground, immediately engulfing many of them, cutting off their air and dragging them back into the earth.
Aisling strolled in from the darkness, her hand clenched in a fist towards the encroaching vines and wielding a spear by her side. The same delighted smile on her face as before.

My mother watched as all hell broke loose, guards began dropping all around her, explosions erupting everywhere, lightning striking guards and gunpowder stores nearby. Vines began coiling over the ground tying guards legs together and leaving them completely open to attacks from all sides. The clash of blades and terrified screams echoed all around her.
My mother was completely overwhelmed, her senses shocked as she stood and watched, unable to do anything. A guard grabbed her arm, a blade in hand high above her already swinging downwards, she closed her eyes and awaited her death to finally end her suffering. The guards grip loosened suddenly, she opened her eyes to see the point of a spear sticking out from his mouth. Her eyes locked with his as his body slumped to the ground. Aisling stood in the distance smiling as she nodded towards her and charged into the fray.
My mother nodded her thanks in return, took the guard’s sword and retreated into the fighting pits below. As she descended, she met no resistance, the guards were all above trying to deal with the onslaught that ensued. Other prisoners called to her as she grabbed the keys to the cells and made her way through unlocking them all. Every prisoner gave their thanks as they caught on to what was happening above and charged straight to the armory nearby, equipping themselves and joining the battle. At the final cell she handed the keys over and requested they freed the other women and children that were kept in a different area, then followed on to the battle above.

It was an absolute bloodbath. The bodies of guards littered the ground, some attempted surrender but were cut down mercilessly. My mother felt a slight tinge of guilt but knew they did no different to her and her people before. She summoned her powers from the elements and let loose a piercing cry as a large garrison of guards were attempting to overpower a group of fighters. They all turned just in time to witness a flurry of fire engulf them all. Not even a single hair of the fighters was singed as their oppressors dropped to the ground, still smoldering under the droplets of rain. The fighters nodded their thanks and continued into the battle. She nodded in return. Collecting another blade, she proceeded to cut down those who stood in her way and leapt deep into the battle.
Barely an hour passed before the encampment was taken, most of the buildings stood destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Aisling was treating the wounds of the injured fighters, while Riobard gathered the remaining prisoners, checking them for injuries.
Vasiliki was gathering the bodies of the guards and dumping them into the fighting pit where Havok and Mayhem were preparing explosives and fire barrels.

The surviving guards were brought into what remained of the barracks, some forcefully by those they once guarded, others meekly following as my father patiently awaited them. My mother followed up the rear with the remaining prisoners.
As the last were forced into the barracks, my father assigned each guard a fighter to stand behind them, my mother included, additional fighters were ordered to remain at the door on guard for any whom may try to escape. After everything was prepared, my father walked to the front of the barracks and began to address all those present.
“Gentlemen, I truly am sorry it had to come to this, I did not seek bloodshed, and to all those who have been freed today I am sure this will be known only as a victory against your oppressors”
Small cheers and cries rang out around the room.
“I myself, see it as a great loss”.
Confused murmurs echoed through the room.
“I understand your confusion, But please allow me to explain. Both sides have lost many men, women and children during this endeavor and that should never be forgotten”.
He paused and allowed those before him to pay their respects as many of the fighters bowed their heads to his words, even some of the guard bowed. My mother bowed and shed a tear for her lost family and friends.

“Do not, however, see this as weakness or mercy, because all of you who stand as prisoners today have earned your fate and it shall be delivered. I will also not be the one to prevent those standing behind you from taking their vengeance”.
Grunts and laughs rumbled from those standing.
“I would hope those of you that are destined to die today will do so with dignity and your spirits reach their destined paths. Also be thankful that you are being given the choice to die with honor and not like cattle, the treatment you refused those that stand behind you right now”.
Nearly all the guards bowed their heads, some cried out in remorse, some out of fear, others out of anger and a small group stood proud with their heads high.
He continued talking over the commotion. “If you are ready to die with honor and dignity, I ask you turn to those who you previously treated like animals, take a knee and make your peace”.
He paused and waited for silence.
“To those of you whom we have freed today I speak to you now. I am aware of your anger, your pain, and your suffering. I understand your need for revenge, however, we are not like them, nor shall we ever be. Grant them what they never allowed yourselves and your loved ones, a quick death, make peace with those you have lost and never forget”.
One of the soldiers in the back placed a hand to his chest and bowed before my father, turning he repeated the gesture to his executioner and took a knee. He prayed for forgiveness for what he had done then remained silent.
One by one others followed suit each making their own prayers and regrets for what they had done and taking a knee.
A short time passed, twelve captives refused to move, their heads held proud as they watched my father with disdain. My father cast his gaze over them one by one and shook his head.

He sighed disappointedly. “Those of you who do not wish for an honorable death, step up and face me”.
None of the soldiers moved a muscle, their heads remaining high and proud. One of the fighters pushed his overly proud captive to the ground, the soldier turned and cursed a racial slur at him getting back to his feet ready to strike him.
As he raised his fist his eyes widened, his mouth agape. Blood began spilling from his tear ducts, his nose, and finally his mouth. A light began to form in his throat as he threw his head back, unable to scream. His whole body glowed brightly as his veins lit up with fire, his skin blistered and burst as he ripped at his armour trying to stop the pain. His hair caught aflame as he doubled over and clenched his legs tightly to his chest rolling in agony. No one moved a muscle as the man burned from the inside out. Minutes passed before the almost skeletal form finally stopped moving, his armor loosely sprawled on the floor.
All eyes returned to my father as he glowered across the room. “I will not take kindly to racial slurs of any kind, be they friend or foe”.
“Now for those of you who wish to share a similar fate, by all means remain as you are, those of you who are now willing to accept your death with honor, follow your comrades example and make your peace, otherwise step forward now and face me”.
He paused for a moment as silence blanketed the room.
“There will be no other warnings”.
All eleven remaining soldiers obediently turned and made their prayers respectfully before taking a knee before their captors.
“First I give my thanks to you all for your compliance in this situation. To those still standing, if you are happy with what you have seen so far and that these men have earned your respect and forgiveness, please, make your way from this room and be at peace, you will not need to see any further bloodshed today. Those of you who still seek justice and have anger in your heart please join me”.
A small group nodded towards my father and then their captives before vacating the room, others bowed and made their way to the front beside my father. My mother was one of the last to join my father, she still wished to seek justice.

A few minutes passed as almost all the hall vacated the room, their personal peace attained. My father nodded towards the fighters at the entrance as they exited and returned with others, each carrying a small stack of swords in their arms. My father called out as the fighters issued a sword to each of the captive guards.
“I will not allow for any of you here today to die without a sword in your hand. As I said before I will not allow you to be slaughtered like cattle, no matter what you have done, each of you will have the chance to redeem yourself in combat should you wish it. You have three choices from here on”.
My father gestured to the fighters beside him.
“Your first choice is to fight one on one in honorable combat with those who you have treated so unfairly, should you win through surrender or death you will be allowed to go free”.
He collected a sword from one of the fighters and held it out in front of him.
“Your second option is to die through execution, I will ensure it is quick and that you are appropriately armed.
He handed the sword back to the fighter, then gestured his arms widely across the room.
“Your final option, as I’m sure many of you have been thinking as you outnumber us five to one, is that you’ll kill all of us here and then as the rest of your previous captive swarm the building, you can all die knowing you managed to defeat myself and these men and your spirits will begin their long journeys as heroes”.
He scanned the room as a number of the soldiers gripped their swords tighter. Others awkwardly peering over their shoulders with malice in their eyes.
“However, I’d like you all to think back to todays events, including what myself and only five others accomplished. The powers over the elements of this land, and more recently the pain that your fellow comrade over there endured”. He nodded to the charred corpse on the floor.
“Make your choice wisely, should you wish to fight, please proceed to the left side of the room, should you wish for execution proceed to the right. Should you wish to be accompanied by agony and pain in your final moments…Well, I wish you all the best”.
The fighters beside him laughed as guards stood and made their way to both sides of the room. Two thirds chose to fight, the rest chose execution.
“For those of you on either side, should you wish to change your mind, feel free at any time. Competitors will be chosen at random, you are free to step aside at any time, but should you choose not to fight when called, you will not be allowed another chance. That applies to both fighters and captives, do I make myself clear?”
The entire room called in unison “AYE”.
My father nodded. “Then let us begin”.

Hours passed as fight after fight ensued, in the end only ten chose execution, eight soldiers won their fights, but refused to deal a killing blow out of respect for everything they had been given, the rest fought and died honorably. My mother was called three times and each fight lasted less than ten seconds. She kept to my father’s word and ensured their deaths were swift and instant. As much as my mother craved vengeance she had gained a new sense of respect for the captive’s actions of mercy to her fellow fighters, as well as for my father and his words”.
Those that remained for execution accepted their fate and did nothing to stop it, they all died with a sword in their hand and a blade through their heart.
The surviving captives awaited their freedom as my father stepped forward to speak with them. All eight dropped to a knee in unison as he approached, my father waved and voiced for them to stand. “Please stand, you are no longer prisoners, you are free men, what you do with your lives from here on is up to you. Be warned however, should we come across you again, or should we learn of your continued work and enslavement of these people, you will not be spared again, nor will your deaths be swift”.
The eight of them nodded in unison.
“Good, I shall prepare a cart and horses and you shall be sent with basic provisions that should hold you a week, you may keep the weapons and armor you currently possess, that is all”.
They all nodded again in understanding.
“Very well, remain here for the time being and you will be sent for when all is ready”.
He gestured for the fighters who guarded the door to remain outside and allow no one to enter as he led the rest of the group to the courtyard. Those who were injured joined the makeshift healing area where Aisling was now being aided by other healers of the community. The fighting pit was ablaze as the bodies burned brightly filling the air with thick smoke.
Havok and Mayhem were cuddled up on a bench watching the fire. Riobard was entertaining the children with songs and tales, while also catching the eye of many who hovered nearby. Vasiliki was flying low overhead carrying children gently in her claws as they squealed and screamed excitedly.

As my father made his way back through the yard with my mother and the other fighters in tow, they gradually began to disperse to join others in talk, drinking, games and music. My mother followed him closely until he stopped amongst a small group in the stables and arranged for a carriage to be loaded with supplies for the soldiers to leave. The group hurried off to their task as my father turned to talk to my mother.
“I would assume you have no family left? Is fighting the reason you were spared?”
My mother nodded. “Yes, I was one of the primary fighters for the pits, the strongest of new prisoners were put up against me to test their skills. I was also used in the training of new recruits”.
He looked at her with understanding in his eyes. “So you watched a lot of men you trained with die today, I’m sorry”.
My mother spat on the ground. “None of them that died were undeserving of it”.
My father gestured to the dead fighters that were being taken for burial outside of the encampments. “And what about those who died also, did they not also die for a cause they believed in?”
My mother became flustered with anger as she screamed at him. “WHAT CHOICE DID THEY HAVE? Every single one of those who were prisoners here lost someone because of what these soldiers believed in”. She pointed towards the pits still blazing behind them.
“Do you know what happens to the prisoners who disobey? Those who try to escape? Those who try to protect their loved ones from the tortures of this place? Had you not come, most of those who fought today would have been killed or tortured. Women and children unable to fight would continue to be abused or forced into having children to fight for a cause they know nothing about. How exactly are their beliefs even worth considering?” Her fists were clenched tightly, her eyes were glowing as pure rage radiated through her body.
My father looked her up and down before taking hold of her hands. “I did not mean to offend you. I do not agree with what is being done all over these lands, but as you say children are being born and raised into believing this is what needs to be done. The men we killed today, most will have been fully deserving of their fate, but you saw with your own eyes in the barracks, some are merely scared children in adult bodies who have been taught nothing but hate and vengeance, lies upon lies forced upon them until the truth is forever locked away”.
My father dropped her hands and pointed to children playing and laughing in the distance.
“Look over there, those children were once prisoners of war or born to fight for the Shadow Knighthood, yet they play and converse as if they were always friends”.
He turned back to her.
“If I had not come, do you think you could kill those children, even though you know if you don’t they will inevitably commit the same horrendous crimes against others?”
My mother looked deep into his eyes, trying hard to think of the answer she knew she wanted to say, but deep down she knew she’d be lying.
He shook his head. “I know you wish to gain vengeance on all those who have done you wrong, however the only way to stop this mindless violence is to find the source and crush it from the inside, to stop those corrupt beliefs and bring about a new era in which peace can be found once again, not just for us, but for everyone”.
My mother’s chest hurt, tears began to stream down her face, she beat her hands against his chest over and over, tears continuing to flow as her energy depleted and she collapsed into him.
My father held her close and stroked her hair as she continued to cry. They stayed that way for a long while after until they were interrupted.

A young lad ran back into the stables, my mother and father separated as the boy caught his breath before he could speak. “The wagon and horses are all prepared, a week’s worth of provisions on board and ready to leave. The Lady Aisling also said to tell you she and the others are ready to depart for the next camp”.
My father knelt to the boy’s level and thanked him, sending him running back the way he came.
“It looks as if this will be our departure. Do you have somewhere to go? We have arrangements for those with nowhere to go should you need it”.
My mother looked down at him. “My family is…In a better place”.
My father nodded solemnly as he got to his feet. “You have my deepest sympathies. Should you wish to, you may travel with us and then continue to the den where you are welcome stay as long as you like and make plans for your next step when you feel ready”.
My mother instantly rushed to him and grabbed his hands. “I want to fight, I wish to fight alongside you and help others have the same chance as you’ve given me”.
My father narrowed his eyes and studied her for a moment. “Are you sure you don’t want to think on this matter?”
My mother shook her head. “No, I have nothing left now, I don’t want anyone else to have to share the same fate or experiences I’ve had to any longer”.
My father smiled. “Very well, then let us head back to your new home, I am known as Ikal, and you are?”
My mother brushed her hair back from her face and smiled. “Gwyneth”.
They both smiled and made their way to the gates. The sun was setting in the distance as my mother looked around and for the first time in a long time saw so many happy faces, the likes of which she thought she’d never see again. As they departed, she took one look back at the encampment that had been her home for so long and the pits which she had spent most of her life. She thought of all the lives that had been taken by her own hand and the lives taken that she could not prevent.
She stopped and turned back, my father stopped and watched her but remained where he stood. She returned to the entrance of the gate and knelt down in the dirt, removing a dagger from her hip. She slowly slid the blade across her palm, wincing slightly at the pain, then squeezed it tightly allowing the blood to trickle across the ground. She moved her hand in a circular motion allowing the drops to fall evenly before placing her hand in the center and whispering.
“Those in pain, no longer suffer, those with vengeance, ease their fire, with my blood I grant thee an end to all, now be at peace”.
She left her hand in the dirt and allowed the spirits of the earth to be cleansed by her soul, shimmers of light danced around her before fading upwards into the sky and vanishing. She stayed there for a long time before my father approached and placed a hand upon her shoulder.
“It’s time to leave…Its time to start anew”.
Everyone else had already left, they were alone. My mother turned to look up at him and nodded as she rose to her feet and took his hand. She took one last look behind her before turning her gaze away from the setting sun and her past, striding out towards the rising moon and their radiant future.