Dark Burden

Scene 2

With each passing day, Donahue felt more at home. He worked alongside the outcasts to expand the settlement. Gallagher stayed close by his side, teaching him about his gift and revealing a wonderful purpose for it. To practice, they found those who did not deserve to live, people who harmed others for pleasure. With each new illness or accident he mastered, Gallagher praised him. Donahue's destructive power to curse was needed. If he continued to grow in strength, he could change the world.

Bram and the others recognized it, too.

Stories spread of a boy with the power to stand up to the corrupt king. Hope kindled against the rich who filled their bellies while villagers struggled. Justice could be served for the thieves of necessity who were executed while royal soldiers did as they pleased.

New beginnings required disastrous endings.

To change the world, to build a society where no one was abandoned, someone had to topple the current one.

Everyone oppressed trickled into the settlement. In two years, the little band of fifty drifters grew to over three thousand. Men and women hardened by circumstances looked to him and Gallagher for deliverance.

Today was the day he gave it.

Donahue stepped to the white precipice of the completed tower and inspected the army below. The first rays of dawn danced across the various weapons in flames of glory. Spears and swords clamored against metal shields. He raised his hand to silence their approval.

"Great children of Gallagher, the time has come. For every one of you who has been forced to beg for bread, for every one of you who has been beaten without a cause, for everyone one of you shunned by cruel minds, today is the day of justice. From now on, you will feel no pain. No wound will kill you. Death will flee until your task is done. Today, we march to victory!"

"Victory!" echoed across the plain and up the brick platform on which he stood.

Yes, victory. Sweet, cruel victory.

He stepped back from the precipice. The sound of three thousand marching soldiers wafted through the opening of the council chamber. Twenty wooden chairs sat empty around the pale walls. The conniving thieves who served as his generals, Bram included, marched with the army. Pride swelled. People no longer left him behind. He told them when to leave. Oh, how the tide had turned.

"Nice curse," Gallagher whispered into his ear.

"I believe it sufficient."

Gallagher chuckled. "Oh, yes. They'll understand in time."

How many curses had he cast that took the victims weeks or even months to notice? He had lost count.

"Something's bothering me."

"What?" Gallagher asked.

"Have you looked to the north?"

The army marched northeast to the capital, so Donahue had kept a close eye on the horizon. Now, something new caught his attention. A faint glimmer.

Gallagher fell silent. Then, he said, "I see it."

"What's it from?"

He felt Gallagher vanish from the room to investigate. He would return when he had the answer. Gallagher always returned.

Donahue passed through the doorway and climbed the spiral stairwell to the top spire. The echo of the cold bricks comforted his mind with each step. He had helped complete this tower. Together with Gallagher, he would honor all the lives who had gathered here. They would gain their freedom with their own hands. Then, he would guide the new system. Here in the desert, aided by Gallagher's wisdom, they would build a world free of injustice.

As he cracked open the wooden door to his suite, Gallagher reappeared.

"Well?" Donahue asked.

"There's two of them. They are not from here, and they keep their lights tucked away."

"But they are of the light?"

"Yes," Gallagher grumbled.

"Will they interfere?"

"Probably. We need to be ready."

Oh, Donahue was ready.

"I'll wait for them to come to us."

Gallagher touched his shoulder. "Yes, you are the best student I've ever had. I'm honored to entrust you with our dreams."

Donahue smiled. The day had finally come. Even if the lights tried to interfere, he would burn the old world filled with cruelty. The lights were as corrupt as the system they protected. In the face of true justice, they would be powerless. Just like Gallagher had taught him.