Hero Song

War had ravaged the country for a decade. This small town was just a meager part of what was once a proud nation. It's people had stood together through all of the heartache, trusting in their one true king.

During the day warriors ransacked the nearby villages and at night, great sky ships flew overhead not waiting to unleash their rounds on the buildings below.

The great tall mountains were angry, screaming with rage as the ancestors cried out. “No more!” The king understood and knew they must awaken and fight or this land would be lost forever.

“Come my lion hearted warrior, my most faithful and trusted. You and I alone must ask for the help of our ancestors.” The warrior mounted his horse his furs and steel causing the people to cheer in glory.

As both the king and lionheart left through the gates of the city they turned one last look at their people and rode as quickly as the steeds would take them to the mountains. Dodging each blade and each arrow fired their way until all was quiet at the foot of the mountain where no other dared to tread.

The king and lionheart dismounted and entered the cave all but them feared. Black water lay ahead, that which carried the dead to rest seemed darker than either man had ever seen before.

They boarded the boat and crossed. Dark creatures swam underneath them, but both men paid them no mind as their journey was to important to fall into the grips of death now.

The boat hit land and lionheart jumped out pulling his king to safety. The king wasted no time stepping out and up to the statues of the Kings past. “My great ancestors please hear me. Our people are small in number, but grand in heart. We are unable to win this war and our great lands will be lost to us forever. You must awaken and help us with this battle to end it for good.”

There was no answer, no sound, not even a breath while they waited.

“Give us Lionheart, your warrior. He will give us the power we need to vanquish the scourge that has overrun this land. Be brave young Lionheart, for you will not return.”

The warrior stepped forward and the king stopped him. “Your highness?” he asked knowing time was of the essence before the city was attacked.

“Lionheart, I cannot ask you as your king to do this, but if you do our people will be saved and your name honoured in song. However, you are my most faithful and my friend.”

“Then do me this honour, all my own have already passed and I have battled long, I wish to join them.” Lionheart looked into his king's eyes and saw the regret but understanding within.

The king lowered his arm and nodded. “Goodbye Lionheart.”

“Goodbye my king.” Lionheart ran into the black water and dived down. Quiet as the watwr settled and suddenly the water shone brightly with light that engulfed the cave and tore out of the mountain rushing through the land.

As quickly as the light came it disappeared. “Thank you Lionheart.” The king said into the empty cave.

As he left and rode back to the city all was calm, and he whistled a tune that would soon become the song of a great warrior.