Cries Of War

Beast

I pat the sweat off my face, as it sweeps down my forehead. I could hear the beat in my chest as my opponent stands several feet ahead of me. I stumble back a bit, till I feel the edge of the Coliseum against my back.

The faint sound of the crowd cheering makes me rethink the situation. I look down at my own hands, seeing the large iron sword that hangs in my palm. 

Beast, stands ahead of me, walking slowly, dragging his sword behind him, making sure I can hear it as it rigs along the floor of the pit. Beast’s face is red, not only from sweat but the knowing that he should’ve been able to pound my head in, the moment I was released into the pit.

Seeing the look on his face, seeing the uncertainty of him being able to defeat me sets a spark that starts in my toes that leads to my hands, then my chest. Releasing the tension in it.

The chanting of the crowd comes back. Using my other hand I pick up my left arm with the sword and flick my wrist a couple times before stepping forward. If it’s a show they want, it’s a show they’ll get. 

I stagger across the pit, leading my way toward Beast. A choked yell escaped my mouth as I lifted my sword and felt the weight and my strength slice down right at Beast.

The action was so quick I couldn’t even comprehend what was going on. I felt a dull pain in my chest and then in my stomach something fell. The sand set cuts in my bare arms and cheeks. My life flashed before my eyes.

My heart no longer pounded, it sounded more like the beating of drums. I let it fill my body with this new coming beat. Pain no longer restricted me. I opened my eyes and the world had stopped for a split second.

I was on the ground my sword a couple feet away and Beast towering above me, his leg outstretched, close to my stomach but not fully there. I let out a shaky breath and the world all came back.

His leg crashed with my stomach and I lurched forward. Tumbling out of the way, his breathing close behind me, I picked up my sword and let out a ragged gasp as the blade intersected with Beast’s throat. 

I don’t know if I sat more than I collapsed to the ground. The sword fell next to me, as Beast’s body slumped forward, making a crunching noise. My blood ran cold and I turned over and puked on the spot. I could hear the drums of celebration and the confused yet hysterical shouts and cheers of the crowd.

I looked up to the top of the coliseum and looked at the king, with an uneasy look on his face.

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So this is the beginning of a new story,  it took me awhile to figure out how I wanted this story to be played out, and I think I have gotten it to where I want it. This will be the start of a new kingdom, with a little more order in the story.

This teaser doesn't give much away, and I would love to see your thoughts on what this story could be about.