27/9/2020

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The clouds were still drawn when the sun rose into the sky. What little light that shone through illuminated on dark, rugged earth. Multiple splinters of red spread through the dirt, the origin too many to count. Everywhere, a glint of silver or bronze reflected back as if reminding others of their fate, and sometimes beside them was a large stick flapping some kind of banner. However, shadows obscured the surface of these as if forbidding others from investigating.

With the rise of a new dawn, the Darkness scuttled past the red, the silvers and the dead banners, aiming for a sizable hill in the middle of it all.

At the top of the hill was a large wooden structure. Drab in appearance but the fact that it stood unharmed amongst the dark earth entreated attention.

And the figure seated on this structure was no different.

The Darkness slithered to a stop at the base of the hill. There was no way forward unless it wished to tread on decay and muck, flesh of its once-upon-a-time allies.

"I have done as you asked." An unpleasant voice echoed through the quiet. "Return to me what was once mine!" It growled.

The figure vacated the wooden structure and descended into view. It was a picture of light and holiness, burning away any stink below its white gown save for the Darkness, who only flattened itself into a submissive bow.

"Are you sure you can receive it?" The question posed wordless but melodic, enchanting to any ear that may be bearing witness.

The figure cupped a palm on the Darkness, looking down at it as if examining a mongrel. A peek of light through momentarily parted clouds showed dozens of sticks and blades on its haunches.

"After all, you'll be dead soon."

Amidst the chiming giggles of the melodic voice, the Darkness surged with a deafening roar and gripped the neck of the figure, its intention clear – to choke out the Light of all life and claim the throne of all lands.

Suddenly, a man rose from between the decay and muck, and cleaved the Darkness in two. This man was clad in bronze plates and covered in blood, but nothing was more defined that the pride within his eyes as his sword came down from its victorious swing.

"No more shall darkness ravage nor plague our lands! A new dawn arises, christened in Holy Light!" The man proclaimed as he bent a knee.

The Darkness rescinded. The bone-biting winds began to calm, dispersing clouds as they go, bringing forth an abundance of sunlight which although sated its curiosity, immediately shrunk away in horror.

When the man-who-had-slain-the-Darkness stood again, the figure he praised had returned to the wooden structure, unperturbed and unmarred.

"Indeed a grave battle has passed, brave warrior." The pleasant melody returned, now solely gracing the ears of the man. "As my saviour, I am in your debt. Declare to me anything you want, and I shall fulfil them all. No matter the absurdity, nor impossibility"

The man's face was brighter with each word that he absorbed. A flame of desire bloomed in his chest with the implicit promise of many delights. (Of the resurrection of his people, riches,good health, and longevity).

Yet deeper in himself, realised only by the figure on the hill, burrowed the inextinguishable Darkness. The air sang with the promise to dispel it forever, no matter what is taken.

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