See the flash, duck an inch, and step to the side. You’ll strike him on his next swing, which comes in at your head to find your blade, the point of which finds his face.

A cry, a clatter, and he’s down, and you step forward, mindful not to trip as the turmoil all about you churns more foes your way. There is no time for thought, no forgiveness for fear, nor yet for any passive impulse to pull away. Forward you must press, threatening all who threaten you, and your blade sings its fierce, sweeping, ringing judgments against every soul who dares raise arms against you.

One breath, and a man rushes you. Another, and his swing is beaten sideways. A third, and a gurgle issues as your sword finds his throat. You twist away, meeting another blow whose ringing outlives its dealer, his face cleft asunder.

Step, see, swing, step, hear, twist, twirl your blade, knock his wide, cleave his skull, heed not the clashing of iron nor the threats of your foes, for all must fall before the whirlwind of steel and death that is you.

Until a bitter cold pierces your ribs. Even so, your assailant’s wrath is swept from his face by another blow.

The cold of steel departs, filled in its stead by the warmth of life, the warmth of blood, your blood, the tide of which will not be stemmed, and which carries away the fierce strength you brought against your foes.

And it leaves behind a chill embrace far colder than any steel as your knees find the sodden ground. No more steps for you.

All the world is pain and wrath and blood and violent figures swimming before your eyes as you collapse, issuing one final breath into the battlefield that claimed you.

The faces of dear ones breach the horror of war in your mind’s eye, and you wonder a moment if they’ll be okay.

Suddenly, it does not matter. The scene fades, and your troubles are no more.

Thoughts? Feelings? Think there was no excuse for that? Let me know in the comments! Also, please share this awesome horrid bit of writing with all your friends. All proceeds go toward better gear so soldiers don’t die from chest wounds. Really.