Champion Of Life

Chapter 1: Freedom

Fallen, fallen from the grace of the gods i lay and weep for those I have lost, for what I have done, for what I have seen for none can replace my wife or those that fell that day or any day since. The cold stone floor like ice to the touch, nought but rags as cloths, the only light, slivers shinning through the bars of iron. The air foul with the stench of blood and wine, the weight of chains upon my wrist, cutting into my flesh. The ever relenting coldness closing in, death coming to claim me. Thud, thud, the sounds of far off footsteps could be heard, murmuring, whispering, voices, louder, harsher, closer. They were coming, coming for the last time, my fate sealed, in one way or another.

"You are free, and yet you are damned" called out from the darkness these condemning words, shrouded in darkness. The rattling of keys, metal upon metal and the screeching of the gate opening, freedom at last. Ushered out of the cell by a bulky man, barely able to stand, let alone walk, willing myself to continue, staggering every step or so. Through long corridors, those still chained cowering from the light of the torch, long corridors, a door led in to room with a warm embrace. A warmth unbeknownst to me filled the room, an open fire blazing a magnificent orange.

Freedom, one last door, then freedom. the door opened letting in a blinding light, taking a few seconds to adjust and taking a deep breath in, allowing myself to take in my surroundings. Cold spring's dawn, a beautiful sight indeed, dew falling from tree and bush alike, the sounds of birds chirping in the high branches. Beautiful flowers bloomed all around, bees flying from flower to flower collecting their nectar, a sharp pain, my stomach, I had not eaten for days, and what I had was nought but stale bread and rotting fruit.

Weakened and starving I walked to the village inn, it was full of many different characters, some timid some boisterous, a large pit fire lay in the center with several rooms for hire. Starving i walked up to the bar keep with nought but rags on, I begged for food and lodging, he threw me a loaf of stale bread.

"You may sleep in the cellar, as long as you don't become a nuisance" he handed me a key and directed me behind the bar to the cellar.

As I lifted the trap door a powerful odour wafted up from the basement, like ale and damp wood except much stronger.  As I climbed down the small ladder the smell became more overpowering, the damp wood smell becoming overwhelming. After recuperating I noticed that there were several large 'kegs' that were scattered around, however it was quite hard to tell since there was only one sconce at the bottom of the ladder which was hardly enough to lit the whole room, though this was still much better then what I had had for quite some time.

Sleeping on the cold hard floor with a few strands of hay left a bit to be desired but what else was I to expect, I did just come from prison, and I don't have any money, so for now this would have to do. I walked out side and it was another beautiful springs day, birds chirping, butterflies fluttering carelessly, it reminded me of the good old days, but those days are far behind and the days ahead would be shrouded in darkness, best taken in the beauty of the world, for like life beauty is fleeting and soon things would change.

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This story is more of a side project so if you like what is here then please like and comment on whether you want me to continue writing it. And comment on what you want to happen since I haven't really decided on a storyline yet your help will be appreciated (and referenced).