Charge.

Through the labyrinth
Of the foreboding forest
Towards this kingdom’s walls
Lies a realm
Hidden from the rest of the world.

The citizens of this kingdom
Share one thing
And all know in their hearts
It is the one thing
That keeps them bound together.

Different backgrounds, yes
Different skin colors, yes
Different views on life, yes
But it is the beauty of this all
That makes this such a haven.

They sought this legendary land out
For a better life
For a better chance
To escape the sins
Of their past lives.

But such peace
Cannot last long
For beyond their secretive walls
Waiting in the dark, ready to kill
Are those who intend to end this all.

They knew this day was coming
From the confined castle’s courtyard
The clashing of swords
Screams of orders
Whispers of horrible truth.

Horses await
In their stalls
Dressed in their saddles
And own headdresses
Proclaiming their freedom.

The day comes
In which a single whisper
A single blare of a horn
Ignites the flame
Inside each soldier’s soul.

Cascading like a fearsome waterfall
Over the lush hills
That once seemed so inviting
To those escapees
Now has become a designated battleground.

The enemy’s eyes
Hidden behind metal helmets
Seem nothing more
Than just emotionless shards
Of the darkest onyx.

They flood the valley
Screaming ravenously
Raising their sharpened weapons
Mouths shaping
Their chants of death.

Horrified civilians
Watch from the confines of the walls
As their own men
Leap upon their horses
And ride out to defend their home.

The previous nervousness
That had set in hours ago
Has vanished
Now replaced
With a single cry…

Of bloodshed
Of sacrifice
Of hope
Of life
Of we.

You decide where you stand
Which soldier you care to become
What your reasons are
For this fight
Who are you?

Each man
Has a story
All of them have overcome much
And yet are willing
To risk the ultimate price.

Their head general
Looks at his soldiers
A pang of pride
Reverberates within
And his own sword emerges from his sheath.

The metal sliding against metal
Attracts the attention
Of the knights
In their shining armor
On their solemn steeds.

The opposing army
The demons of the civilians’ past
Are advancing past the hills
The thudding of hoof beats
Drowned out by the pounding of the heart.

It looks like an even battle
But is that so?
Either way
Both sides
Are willing to fight to the end.

The castle falls into a thick hush
Watching with their hands over their lips
As the head general
Raises his sword
And gives his final command.

Charge.