Battle’s Triumph

I parry the first sword that slashes at me, and as I swing away from it, I manage to cut through the wrist that holds it. A minor victory, since the creature simply switches to another hand, but one that makes me realize these creatures can be beaten.

“They bleed!” I shout at the top of my lungs, then steady my feet and swing once more. This time a hideous black head falls to the ground at my feet.

My heart pumps loudly now, and my spirits soar. I don’t know what chance I have in this battle, but in some ways I don’t care. No matter what the outcome, to have discovered at last this newfound joy I have, a joy in battle—in fighting for good—is even worth dying for…