The Stained

Part 2

The horns blew a terrible, low, visceral sound that shook the very ground. The boy covered his ears and crouched low. He was rewarded with a boot to his back.

“Get up, boy. War is no place for weakness.”

The boy’s face hit the ground hard, slowly sinking into the mud and filth from the camp. Gagging, he brought himself gradually to his feet. The soldier laughed and moved on, and the boy was left alone once again. Picking up the sword and shield that were much too big for him, he moved on as well, choking on his sobs.