"Monsters", whispered Johan, "every one of them". A dark crimson puddle had began to pool in the grass beneath his feet, dripping steadily from the blade clutched in the king's hands. The smell of iron and smoke filled the night air, as they stood in front of the burning villa under a bright moon. The magnificent estate once rivaled any in the country, housing one of the most esteemed families now fell back to the ground as flames licked its existence away. Jonas couldn't help but revel at the sight before him. The kingdoms finest knights standing gathered around the inferno, cheering as the last opposition ceased their existence.
"It is done", The king said darkly, yet unable to hide his enthusiasm at the accomplishment before him. Johan stood looking at the kings' gold and gem encrusted sword handle, down the long silver blade to the body sprawled lifeless on the ground. This man had once wielded a great amount of power and respect. Johan remembered the closeness even he once felt for the man. Maybe even enough to have called him friend, once. But now he lay frozen, in a pool of his own blood. His eyes of fire red now glazed over, and the slack look of death on his face. If only he hadn't been such a fool, thought Jonas. Why had his old friend betrayed the kingdom?
"Without them in our way"-Jonas knelt into the soggy red grass-"your lands will once again realize greatness."
