Ten Thousand Fists

Thunder roared through the sky. The souls of men would be considered tonight. It was apparent that God did not approve of our mission. Lightning slashed through the air as the troops rallied. Every one of them prepared to march into the depths of hell in my name… many of them would. Before dawn, I would be the greatest sinner. Our actions would force people to open their eyes. Ten thousand men raised their fists in defiance, as we charged the castle. This night would decide it all.

***

I stood aloof while the king entertained himself in the dungeons. Being captain of the guard, I had performed this role on many occasions. It frustrated me that he chose to torture those convicted of no crime, the weak and the elderly locked up for being poor. His arrogance amazed me, they were his people and yet he mocked their misfortune. Nevertheless, I shall stand by the wisdom of my king.

***

Lightning thrashed above their heads threatening to strike them down. The troops aimed the ram towards the palace gates unfazed by the fiery bullets rained from above; as one man fell another took his place. If not for our sheer numbers, we would easily be slaughtered before our time. The gates erupted inward allowing us access to the king.

***

His plan was absurd, if the orders where carried out war would be the only outcome. Our allies had gold and the king wanted it. He gave a grubby little grin commissioning his armed forces to journey to the north and to lay waste to one of their villages. For a moment, I doubted his intentions but I have faith in my king.

***

The castle was ablaze with fighting. The battle raged as I manoeuvred my way through the courtyard. My men were losing ground in this fierce massacre. I had my window of opportunity that was all that mattered.

***

The campaign was a horrendous failure; the king’s forces had been easily defeated in their quest for gold. Many women had lost their husbands, many children their fathers, but the king had shown generosity to only one. The teenage daughter of a fallen commander. He announced that she would be treated like a daughter to him. Truly he was a wise and noble king.

***

I climbed the winding staircase to the tower. The guards intended to slow my ascent. These men with whom I had once drank, trained, and even called friends, were now trying to kill me. I would not lose to them; they had not seen what I had seen. One by one, they fell by my sword. I reached the final door, the one that would decide the fate of my crusade.

***

Someone was sobbing outside my chamber. It was the girl; her clothes were badly torn and smeared with blood. She wailed as I attempted to calm her down. I understood little of her ravings; she made fleeting references to the king. Her state of mind indicated that she had been attacked during the night. Whoever did this to her must be brought to justice.

***

I had found my target; he stood there watching the battle. Just watching. He made no effort to stop it. As I approached, I saw the wicked smile plastered across his face.

***

I tried to protect her; I only wish I had done more. The king had ordered her capture claiming that she attacked him in his chamber, yet I saw no sign of injury. I decided to look into his claim. Finding no trace of struggle in his chamber, I inspected the girl’s room. Her sheets were stained with blood, her blood. I made the decision to help her escape. I was too late. The guards found her hiding in my chamber. The king demanded she be executed immediately. He sadistically stroked her cheek causing her to recoil in disgust. Her eyes meet mine and suddenly I knew the truth. The axe slammed down with a vicious thud. The king burst into laughter as her head rolled across the floor. I can no longer cover my eyes; someone has to put an end to him. I know what I have to do.

***

My sword at the ready I advanced on the king. I could do little to rectify the atrocities he preformed over years, but if I can spare others from his twisted rulership then it will be worth it. If killing a king is the worst sin imaginable then I shall be well deserving of my place in hell. Tonight I am a sinner. I reared my blade for a killing blow. My actions will open the mind of the masses; the weak and haunted shall be spared. The king did not realize my presence until it was too late. My deed is done. I know not what lies ahead of me. What I do know is that all across the land people will remember the night they saw ten thousand fists in the air.