Hellfire

Chapter 1 - November

                Nathanial heard someone shout and someone else laugh manically. He slowly opened one eye, wondering if it was dream or reality. He opened both eyes with a groan, there was the crackling of fire in the distance, but nothing he needed to worry about. Suddenly a blood curtailing scream rang out, and it was alarmingly close to his house. He went rigid all over, he was wide awake, and he understood the scream, the fire, everything; his village was currently under attack. He looked around, trying to find his sword and clothes. Once his eyes landed on both he jumped out of bed and got dressed as quickly as he could, though it proved a waste of time as he was putting on his pants backwards and his shirt was inside out. He fixed his pants before strapping his sword to his waist and dashed outside of his house. He looked around, taking in his surroundings. There were a few houses on fire in the distance. His heart fell as he looked to his neighbor's house, which was now a pile of ash on the ground. It took his groggy mind seconds to recognize the frail woman who was surrounded by three men. They had swords and looked at her with more than the intent to kill in their eyes.

"Hold on, Lisa." Nathanial whispered as he tried to summon all his courage. His legs began to carry him towards them as his hand unsheathed his sword. "HEY!!" He screamed, stopping a short distance away. They looked at him with pure annoyance. They were angry he interrupted. Lisa was relieved. "Let her go you pigs!"

"You're no match, so do yourself a favor and leave, now." One spat at him and they began to turn back around. Nathanial picked up a rock and threw it at the man. It hit the back of his neck and his hand flew to the spot it had connected with. "You impotent ass!" As they turned, distracted, their grip on Lisa loosened and she took the opportunity, running. Nathanial hoped she was getting help. He smiled as they drew their swords, facing him.

"What are you going to do about it?" Nathanial taunted and suddenly there was a dagger in his thigh. He screamed in pain, trying to figure out how the man had thrown it without him knowing. Most likely he was too distracted by Lisa coming back with Jeremy. He took a step forward, pushing through the pain. "Is that really all you got?" The men began to walk forward, faces fixed in snarls. Lisa and Jeremy simply stood there. Nathanial took a deep breath, preparing to fight.

"I'm going to really enjoy this, you little runt." He raised his sword and swung. Nathanial barely had the strength to block it. His leg was bleeding a lot. The man swung his sword, Nathanial went to counter only to have the man lower his sword and grab the dagger, ripping it out of Nathanial's leg. Nathanial groaned, clenching his teeth. He punched the man's stomach and brought his sword down, cutting into his knee cap.

"Now we're even." Nathanial said, his voice was as shaky as he felt. The blood loss increased, and he was getting light headed. The man looked down at Nathanial's sword in his knee cap and he took the opportunity to punch his chin while pulling out the sword. He plunged it into the man's chest. Nathanial was nervous, it shouldn't have been that easy... Was it? The man gasped with pain and surprise, you could see it on his face. He looked from his chest to Nathanial's eyes. Nathanial pulled out the sword and began to think a little prayer.

'Father, please forgive me. I've sinned and killed another man. Please, don't let me die right now. I've still so much to do.'

Nathanial fell to his knees as he completed his short prayer. Jeremy walked over and easily killed the other two distracted soldiers. Nathanial saw him and Lisa rushing towards him as he crumpled onto his side. His eyes began to close, unable to stay awake. Nathanial allowed the darkness to take him, welcoming it.