As Dorlas left the company, he could only wonder about the future, if there was one. Not to be pessimistic, but he didn't see too much hope against such a powerful force. Yet Dorlas would still fight. Why? He'd fight for something he believed in: A better life for others, and treating a neighbor as you would yourself. For, in the end, was not this war for those who came after the men who would perish? Doing such a big favor and giving such a wondrous gift to those lucky enough to live into another age would cost many lives. It would be worth it though, and Dorlas kept this thought fresh.
Returning to a small hill, Dorlas let the wind whip at his hair and light cloak. Arthain had went to find rest. Dorlas would not find any, he knew, for now it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Dorlas was too carefree! He had felt the need, as the great progress neared their fate, to let all the things that had bothered him before drop. That way, should he meet his end, he'd be unafraid and ready to say "well met".
Yes, Dorlas did fear death at the time. Who didn't, when they had a family and a life to leave or return to? But Dorlas, unlike some, thought he was ready for anything at that point.
And what a grand world it is! Thought Dorlas, as the chill air wrapped about him like his own cloud. Such a grand world it is, where small boys understand the tactics of war.
What the boy did not realize, however, was that to die so young would not just be to die; it would be to lose such a large part of life.
[ April 02, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]
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...Come down now, they'll say. But everything looks perfect from far away - Come down now! But we'll stay.
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