Fight for the Gods

Chapter 1-Rowan

        Footsteps echoed through the silent walls of the old wooden church as a young man paced back and forth in front of an old statue hanging upon a wooden cross. The statue's face was twisted into a frown with eyes that seemed to almost cry with pain. It was one of the most sacred things within the village and everyone would bow their head when accompanied with its presents. The man did not bow, nor did he even think to offer a gesture of respect to the statue for he was a little preoccupied.

        His mind was muddled with the racing thoughts that caused the adrenaline to pulse through his veins. Anxiety caused beads of sweat to trickle from his forehead into his cloth tunic that clung to his thin body. His chin length brown hair swayed with his gate and his mossy green eyes darted from wall to wall without processing what they were really seeing. His hands nervously intertwined only to release and wipe the dripping sweat. Drifting his eyes to the statue, the man stopped.

     "Oh lord, What am I too do? Doubt has washed over me like a plague to the fields and feel as if I am in the wrong. We have followed your words without hesitation, but I feel the ambiguity dirtying my thoughts into thinking maybe I am walking down the wrong path. Do I really hear your righteous words with your true intent or am I hearing the sin of my own mind? I feel corrupt for doubting but I cannot possibly wrap my head around this mess."

     His words were answered by the howl of the wind outside, pushing against the creaking wood. Bowing his head in defeat, the man went back to pacing. His mind stumbling over his own thoughts. He went on ambling for many minutes before being interrupted by a heavy knock upon the heavy door. Granting them permission, the man was greeted by the faces of an elderly man, two guards and a young woman.

   The elderly man, whom they called Father John, was the first to enter the church. He was an elderly man whose hair had turned white long ago. He well known as the interpreter for their God and because of this, he sat at the right hand of the king.

   Behind him walked two guards. Their chain-link clanked against the metal that covered their shoulders and torso. Their faces were covered by the helmet that protected their soft skin and scalp.

 Behind them stumbled in a young girl. Her black tangled hair covered her dirt caked face. Blood seeped from the few open wounds tore into her tan skin. Her dress had been ripped and tore to reveal more open flesh and bleeding wounds. Chains dangled from the cuffs upon her arms and legs leading into the hands of the guards.

    "King Rowan" Father John spoke with a gentle tone, "I thought I would find your presents here. You see, we have found the culprit of the nearby village uprisings. They have spoken sinful words about another god, another world. Their tongues have sealed their fate and we have tried for many days to get them to ask for forgiveness. They turned their filthy noses to our offers which left us to take force. Many of the villager had backed down instantly, not wanting to put up a fight but a few decided it would be great to test the authority.  She, " he pointed to the woman "was one who claimed she had seen the other god. Sin spews from her mouth and I believe she has been cursed by the devil himself."

   The woman did not raise her head nor did she offer to give an explanation. Only a soft whimper escaped her clenched jaw as she avoided any eye contact. Her body was submissive, cowering in front of the four men.

   Walking to the woman, Rowan lifted her face with his thumb. Her black hair fell to the side of her face to reveal a bruised face and a split lip. Her skin was gritty with the dirt that layered the tan color. Tears prickled her green eyes as another whimper escaped her parted lips.

  "Who do they call you." Rowan demanded, his words cold and harsh.

"They call me Arlette." she whispered before asserting, "Please, you got to believe me. There will be war, death and many losses."

   Tears streamed down her face as she went on, "You will be betrayed by the one you trusted. They one who speaks in different tongues. Please! Believe what I say!"

   Silent answered from Rowans mouth as he gazed at the woman's face. Deep down fear invaded his veins as he believed her words. He wanted to know more but it was sinful to believe someone, who was not righteous, speak of the future.

  "You speak of sin...Demon" Rowan painfully spat before forcefully pushing her face away, "Burn her. Let her go back to where she came from. "

  "Please no!" the woman's agonizing scream echoed through the church, "I have children, I have a family! I am no demon."

 
   "Burn them too..." Rowan snarled, denying any emotion to cross his face.

  The woman sobbed again, only to be silenced by a blow to the face. She was pushed forward, causing her to stumble. She exited the church followed by the guards.

   Silence filled the space between Father John and Rowan as they watched the woman leave. They dared not to speak for they had no clue what to say. It was just respectful to stay silent while the woman was lead to her death...