“Are the preparations made complete?” questioned Newlyn. There was sadness in his voice. His eyes could not hold those of the person he was talking to. He focused on the ornate carvings placed on the marble floor.

“Yes,” began Wesryan, “sadly everything is in order.” Tears formed in the eyes of the usual stoic soldier. His right arm rested on his trusty sword, the left clanked nervously on his heavily adorned, plate armor.

Visions began to dance in the head of the warrior as his mind faded from reality. Images of he, his wife and their only son murkily formed in his clouded thoughts. Bright days filled with sunshine and green fields opened before him. Daisies and wild roses rustled softly in the gentle breeze. In those days all one could think about was the moment at hand, not at the bleak future that would some day rise from the ashes of oblivion to grasp the world with its snakelike fangs.

Wesryan returned to the world he wanted not to dwell in any further. The world of pain and distraught struck at his heart repeatedly. He could not hold the anguish in his heart any longer. He was forced to release his emotions. The proud warrior fell to his knees. An echo rang through the halls of the great castle. Tears of sorrow flowed down his weathered face, quickly making wet marks upon the floor.

Newlyn knelt down and placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder. He gave a few strong pats. He knew they would not ease the pain.

“Why are things the way they are?” said Wesryan through his sobs. “I’ve been a good man, done things the right way. I’ve placed my family first in my life and I’ve loved all those around me. My heart beats with love and now because of love, it breaks into countless pieces. Why my son, why him? Why always the innocent, the spotless?” Wesryan struck his chest with his gauntlet shrouded fist.

Newlyn had no words to comfort Wesryan. Soon tears streamed down his face as well. He knew of the sacrifice that Wesryan was now completing. How the sorrow and torment must tear at his already shattered heart he thought. Compassion flooded the thoughts of Newlyn as he attempted to say words of encouragement to his liege.

“Sir, I know the sacrifice is great, greater than any man nor mortal should be called to give. I wish it were myself who could take the place of your precious son. I suppose the deeds of my life have made me unworthy of such a sacrifice. What you and your son do for mankind will never be forgotten. How can it? Because of this sacrifice the world will forever know that they are loved.” Newlyn smiled at his words. They were better than what he thought he could conjure up.

Wesryan wiped his tear stained face clean with the edge of his shirt sleeve that protruded slightly from the cuff of his armor. With the help of Newlyn, both stood and stared one another eye-to-eye.

“You are right my friend. I do this because of love. I do love my only son, and he knows that. He has been by my side since his birth, even before that it feels. Almost as if he’s been there always, listening to me, wanting to do the things I do.” Wesryan paused for a moment, once again reliving some past moments spent with his son. His brilliant smile returned to his face. It had felt like ages since he smiled last. He laughed to himself. “There is no greater love than to be willing to place your son into the arms of death to save the world from destruction. My son goes to where love began; it would be selfish to keep him from that for my own purposes. My love for mankind stretches before me, even to those I will never see nor meet.”

The two war hardened soldiers embraced for a brief moment, then nodded to each other in agreement. Newlyn gave gentle taps on the armored shoulders of Wesryan.

“Only you have the strength to do this sir.” Newlyn choked back the tears that desired to make themselves prominent. He knew in his heart the moment for crying had passed. In time those rivers would return, but for now, all was settled.

“My strength comes from another my friend. It is difficult to explain, but in time everyone who looks up will possess the strength I have.” Wesryan took in a few deep breaths, preparing himself for the task at hand. He adjusted his breastplate and gave one final sigh.

“I believe it is time sir.”

“Indeed it is Newlyn.” Wesryan closed his eyes. “By the death of my son the world shall see redemption. My friend, if you can, tell me of a greater love than that.”