“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.”
x x x
|