Through Honour

     Dawn broke with soft blue hues fading into shades of pink as the world around us began to sing. Trees rustled as the breeze came and the birds chirped. I could see the forest come alive as the sunlight seeped through the canopies. I looked at it all endearingly as I breathed it in. Inhaling the smell of raw land around me and felt its essence as the horns began to sound. The birds flew away and the sound of nature was drowned out by the sound of feet marching onto the was-empty grassland. Anyone could hear the clanking of armour, but I could feel it. The weight of the metal forged to be worn by soldiers and warriors to protect themselves in battle. At first, the armour felt like a burden, however, it eventually became an honour.

     Despite the noise, the scenery remained seemingly peaceful. Unfortunately this is not the time to be engrossed in such. Remembering my responsibility: which is to fight for my country and its people, my king and the beliefs he holds, I watched the other side of the clearing. As the army behind me stood ready and quiet, we positioned ourselves across the field toward our enemies who stared back, I closed my eyes, doing my best to enhance my hearing. I did my best to listen for each and every breath my men would take. For this may be their last peaceful breath. Each huff being proof of life, but a life ready to be thrown fro a cause. I opened my eyes and raised my fist, a simple clenched hand. After letting out a sharp breath, I open it, signaling to commence the battle. Shortly after, the opposing leader did so as well. After the silent agreement, the horns once again sounded.

     The clanking armour, thudding hooves from running horses, and the battle cries of thousands of men were all that were audible. The first line clashed, I do not know which was hit first because the war had just started, but I was getting swung at by multiple soldiers. I had to focus on myself instead of my men. Anyone and everyone on this field who wore my country's colours had to be drowned out. I defended myself with my sword and shield until I managed to stop my worrying. As soon as I did, I changed my footing and stand from defense to offence, swinging my sword at the enemy nearest to me. I struck his neck and watched him slowly sink in shock, but I had no time to watch him die.

     Swiftly taking out soldiers, one by one, I assume the knights had noticed how quickly their fellow comrades were getting knocked down thus they started attacking in more groups, I was ganked by three. I defended the side of my body with my sword from the third person on my left while I attempted to strike the first person and dodge the second. I grunted in pain, realizing it must have been greedy for me to assume I could space for an attack in the middle of trying to defend myself. My pride resulted in an injury, someone had hit my head. Although it was a heavy blow, my helmet saved me from any visible wounds. I could hear a ringing in my ears but I managed to stab the torso of the first person. I then parried the third, piercing his eye socket with my blade. Finally dealing with the last of the three, I swung at his feet, causing him to lose balance, aiming for his heart, I thrusted my sword into his chest. .

     Both sides were down to around half as many men they started with. But how many of these men had families? How many had hopes? How many of them didn't want to be here today? I huffed, due to my breathing being unstable. I gripped the hilt of my sword and charged at one of the enemies close to killing one of my soldiers. I slashed at the enemy's face and stepped in between them, slicing the flesh that made up his cheeks. I then swung at his eyes and dashed to an empty opponent. Striking him down, as well as others one by one once again. All of this until I found the rival Commander. My breath hitched and I looked around me. Dead and dying bodies on the ground covered the field. Their blood painted the grass that the remaining living fought on. A number of others are still clashing but visibly tired. It was clear they weren't as focused on murdering each other as they were around dawn since a few of those clashing had time to shout vulgar words to each other while their blades hit one another. It was nearly dusk when the Commander Lyathro saw me. His long strides and my short steps both turned into quick ones as we charged at each other. He had positioned his blade up and slanted, to slash at my torso while I positioned mine to strike his shoulder. I defended myself against his attack by raising my shield, and in the process I barely struck his collarbone. Unfortunately little to no damage was done since I had only grazed it. The Commander Lyathro's chainmail was damaged, so this was in my favour.