Light the way

"Come on, pull me out already. Let’s go, grip me firmly, and choke up where I like it. That feels wonderful. Stop teasing! I can hear the clack of metal. Do it, do it, you... ahh that’s it! Woo, here we go, the hour of reckoning has come. Slay the mounted one, careful he’s barreling toward us. Yes, well struck. I love the split second of warmth as I pass through one’s face. You were a bit nervous I could tell. That blow was too powerful. You should loosen up a bit. But that’s the case with every battle, isn’t it? The first kill drives the shakes away.  

Here we go, this one is just a pleb. He can’t even afford a helmet. No worries, he won’t need it anyway, not when he’s lying in a box two feet under. Lovely, straight through his heart. Master, you’re so kind, you didn’t even hit any ribs. My edges are still pristine, thank you. Another, let’s chop his head off. How dare he strike you with a stick. That’s what you get for attacking nobility. Roll downhill for all to see what awaits them. 

What a lovely night. The air is so clean and cold, that the blood is starting to freeze on me. Could you by any chance… Thank you, I didn’t even realize it was this windy. Raise me above your head I’ll sing for you. This is the last thing your enemies will hear before they fall. What’s this then? A mounted knight stands on that hill. Who is he, master? His armor is dark as the night itself. I’ve never seen a helm shaped as such before. No matter, we’ll do him in as we have many times before. Wait, don’t shelve me! 

I can’t keep you alive if I’m not in your gauntlet. He’s picking up speed, he must be going for a lance charge. Please let him strike true. No, that sounded bad, what is happening? Why aren't we moving? He must have fallen off. Get up! Master… I know there is still life in you. I can feel your warmth, it’s not your time yet. Rise and fight. That’s it pull me out, let me carve a way through. I see him. Steady your hand, my master, his war hammer will not break a single bone in you. Pick up thy shield. Be light on your feet and slash the horse’s throat. Wait, not yet, let him come closer. Die, you infernal beast! May your rider break his neck upon the rocks! He’s down master, his advantage is gone. You will prevail before the night is done. 

Strike him, strike him harder, give him no quarter. Leave your shield, trust in me, grip me in your weary hands. Together we’ll end his miserable life with one elegant strike. You saw it too, didn’t you, Master? He lifts his arm high to bring down the hammer on your brittle frame. That's our opening, a line straight to his heart. I will split the rings of mail, I will tear the fabric of gambeson, I will pierce his flesh and break his bone. I will lodge into his black heart and drink its poisonous blood. Just point me in the right direction. I feel your grip slipping, I feel your shoulder creaking in its socket. I see my hilt dyed red with your blood, master. Your elbow is holding on by a thread. It’s now or never, one more hit and you won’t be able to lift me. You see him ready to strike. No need to beat him to the attack, let it fall. I will catch it. Snuggle your fingers behind my guard. Don't worry, all it takes is an inch of metal to brush away the ferocious blow. 

Masterfully executed, your fingers are unharmed, and your arms are not much worse. Watch as I slide up his forearm. Watch as I break the sanctity of his armor. Watch him freeze in agony as I burst his heart. Pry his helmet open with your dagger. Glance in his dying eyes. What do you see, my master? Haha, yes, terror. The reality of death sinking in. Leave him in the mud, he’s now worm food. Do you hear it? It’s quite a windy night. No more shouting, victory is yours. Tonight we feast, master, let us ride to your castle and have your servants… Why lay me on the frozen ground? 

Why take off your breastplate, why toss your helm, my master? Pick me up, I will rust if you don’t wipe my muddy edges. Your tunic is crimson. Those are not your colors, that is not your family’s banner. This is not the time to kneel, master, this is the time to dance and sing. You are victorious, they have fallen. They challenged your right to rule and paid the price of death. Don’t dawdle, they will come to claim their dead. You’ve had your fill of war for today, it’s time to flee. Lean on me, I will help you rise. I will be your strength. Don't rest my tip on your chest; it will never draw your blood. I will snap at the slightest pressure, and crumble like a straw if you think you can throw yourself onto me. I will dull my edges so you cannot slice your throat, I will melt the pommel so you cannot choke on that either. 

I will be the light you’ll carry through the darkness, ass far as the eye could see. Look the moon shines upon me. I shall cast its light far through your rightful kingdom. It will reach your loyal knights. They will ride upon swift steeds and carry you upright back to your castle. You will be greeted with cheers and flowers, with songs of bravery. And when you had your fill of bread and wine, you may lay down in your camber. I will rest in upon your chest, nestled in your hands for eternity.”