Only until the king's summoning cry for his son were the desperate inner prayers of those following answered. Adrenaline rushed in everyone present. Silence. Other than the fearless winds of the desert. Silence. Everyone waited for the king's command to push forward, but yet nobody moved. Not even the king nor his son. The increasing anticipation for the signal, the mere command to push forward. The immediate clopping of hooves; the king followed by his son with his sword at his side, speeding on his steed to rear to a pause. The king departed, followed by two of the grand imperials to leave his son to speak, for his words flow like a river. A river that can become a weapon of swords and burning flame. A river that holds the power to soothe, or flames that contain the ability to destroy all in its path.
"My brothers," the young prince began, "We have come here today, not to spread hatred! But to give hope to our future generations! The future of your children's children! For centuries, we have become part of a never-ending cycle of scrutiny and deceitfulness; loss of life that we pay for. That won't end unless it is stopped in its path of triumph and madness." The prince paused momentarily and looked in the eyes of his people. Those before him continued to listen with a sense purpose and ease, that their suffering will end and the shackles that bind them will be lifted in its entirety. This is an opportunity for freedom that they will take upon themselves to receive. The prince lifted his chin and looked into the clouds for a moment, taking a breath as he continued to speak. "Yes, this world is utterly cruel to the souls that thrive. Taking something you worked so hard to achieve, leaving you with little, or with nothing at all. Though, this war we will face will be one to alter our future, not only our future but the future of our children and the future of our children's offspring. This will not be easy whatsoever, many will be taken as a result, in which. I will give you an option. You can take what is rightfully yours and return to your families in comfort, or you can stay and fight. Whatever you choose will not disappoint me." Once again, he paused to give everyone a moment to make a decision. A decision to return to sanctuary, or staying to fight. Nobody left and the prince, including his father, was very pleased, so the prince said his final words. "Today, we shall alter our future and that of generations to come. Come, my brothers, take your weapons and fight with me! For the future of the Hiedon Empire!" He then paused and looked into the distance with a show of respect for the men who followed him. To give a mere sign of respect to their leaders, they raised their weapons in response. No words from their mouths until one shouted. "For the king! For the glorious Altair and his son! For Hiedon!" The soldiers continued to face forward until commanded to do so. The prince surveyed over everyone for who spoke. Instead of words, swords were beaten against shields and hooting filled the air around them, creating clouds of dust as feet battered against the sand.
He reared his horse to his father, looking him in the eyes as he glared to raise his sword. "My son. Fight with me and make thy father proud!" He and his father came together to place a hand on each other's shoulder with a tight squeeze, peering into each other's eyes with a fiery will of determination. They then looked into the crowd of the thousands of men, directing their steeds to venture through a parting sea of people. Their people.
Some time had now passed. An excruciating two hours of awaiting the coming rivals. The soldiers of Al Asama marching to stand right in front of them with swords and spears in hand. The thousands upon thousands of people who's only desire were to slaughter him and his father. King Altair. Fear pierced into the prince's mind like a double-bladed sword as he saw his many opponents before him. It seemed more than he anticipated. He dare not let his fear get to him, so he managed to allow the fear in his heart become his motivation, for he knew now how crucial it is to not lose this battle that has the potential to leave deep scars in his nation for centuries to come.
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Sand Serpents
Ficción históricaSet in Saudi Arabia during the Golden Age, a young prince encounters multiple traumatic events. From the death of his mother, to witnessing his father's last breath in combat. By the death of his father, he is now left with the burden of his people...
