By Cladius Maximus
Love and War
By Cladius Maximus
She turned to him, glancing at his armor glittering in the moonlight. She looked down briefly, and turned her gaze upon the star scattered sky above the clear pond. She wanted to say something to him, but the words wouldnít come out. He turned to her, grasping her hand and smiled, ìYou know I will be ok, I always am.î She grinned half hearted at him and he frowned slightly. She stated before he could start, ìI donít want you to die.î He smiled at her and stroked her soft, blonde hair, and said with a caring tone, ìI wonít die, Iíve done this many times before. I promise you, I will return. So for when I returnÖî he knelt down at her side and took a small ring from his pouch, ìI wish you to marry me.î She beamed happily and threw herself into his arms, and he smiled back and embraced her.
The next morning, she stood in a crowd of people, all-waiting for the soldiers to march out of city to the field of battle. Suddenly a trumpet blared and the crowd went silent. A chorus of trumpets blared and the rumbling of shields and armor could be heard as the brilliant formation of men came down the street. The crowd threw rose petals at the troops, who all smiled back and waved to their loved ones. She looked among the men for her loved one and saw him, waving to a small child. She yelled out to him, but he did not here. Just has he rounded the corner, his glare caught her eye. Nothing needed to be said; their eyes said it all. He turned the corner and smiled, never to know that that would be his last moment with his beloved.