THE PURGE

THIRD MOTION PAGE

We had survived the night by grace. Otherwise, we would have all died and ended up like the Hadryan soldiers who had gone on the same mission before us. But for the sake of divine grace, we won and, in our stead, the horses had died the death- our own death.

''Now listen up soldiers.'' The captain called. ''This is not the end. Expect more from those demons.''

''Aye!''

''Be not intoxicated by this occasion of victory so much that you become distracted and puffed up, but rather, be vigilant and be ready at all times for the enemy is nearer than ever, and he neither sleeps nor slumbers. So guard yourselves lest you fall.''

One of our greatest challenges had always been to conquer the fear of pain, suffering and death. We had become so engrossed in the thoughts of death as well as the suffering embedded in its path such that we started to wish we could quit fighting and turn towards the vain ostentatiousness of an epicurean life. But instead, we held unto our creed.

''Remember!'' The captain charged. ''Whosoever wishes to save his life in this world, will eventually lose it through death, but whosoever loses his life in this world for the right cause will find it but only through the knowledge, confession and acceptance of the Way, the Truth and the Life. Therefore, do not be weary. Stand strong and remain on the path to glory.''

His words ended on that note with a sudden epiphany of hope and a great assurance of reward- a reward of life after life in eternal bliss for every soldier daring to lose their lives (for a good and just cause) and for every crusader, holding unflinchingly to their crusade despite many great obstacles.

Upon our backs lay our burden- to save those bound by the dark forces of the universe and bring them into the light and truth of our Order. Therefore, we became not just soldiers of truth and light, but also heralds of transformation, determined to make proselytes those enslaved by evil and to show them the Way, the Truth and the Life. Therefore, we were prepared to stand every test that our Tormentor may bring to us ward, ensuring victory at all cost.

That night, we rested in an open field, pondering over what next might happen. While some anticipated their own death with an illusionary painting of how it would be, some struggled with such pictures and thoughts, trying out different means of escape by which they could wave them off their minds.

Famished and fatigued, we started craving for rest; the duffel bags still had plenty of cahesiums to illuminate our path in the darkness as well as food to replenish our strength.

We had no sleep!

Not because we didn't desire her, but none of us wanted to take the risk even as much as she coquetted around our eyes and subtly oppressed the nerves in our brains. We could only think of engaging ourselves in some activity that would help us resist her compelling seduction. So we started singing spiritual songs from the Celestial Stave of Sacro - a great composer of hymns who lived in the king's court.

As we sang, drank and ate, a tall young beautiful lady appeared, stirring brilliantly from the pale curtains of the night. She had a long hair and a light skin. She was in a long white robe and wore a bracelet around her wrist as well as a lozenge-shape necklace, which blinked stupendously around her neck. Her sudden appearance caused the songs to fade out gradually. Then after a while, she spoke in a soft hypnotic voice.

''Sorry to intrude into such a metrical matter...'' She paused and then continued. ''It is wonderful, I must say.''

Our eyes fixed steadily upon her amidst a swift hush of silence

''I am Andriel, and I live nearby together with my daughters. Your voices drew my attention from my bed, which is why I am here''.

''Beautiful...we are glad to meet you too... uhm...Andriel?'' Ragna broke the silence.