They had come in vast numbers. Upon their appearance, a heaviness had fallen on our people. My people. My army. A great silence filled with fear and waiting had covered my ranks. I wanted with everything inside me to comfort them. I wanted to tell them that all was not lost. My people needed a hope, they needed to see that we would overcome, but here I stood on the fronts of battle, my face filled with indifference. My face stayed expressionless and my eyes gave an icy glare while their eyes filled with fear.

I knew my people thought I was a cold hearted king. They did not see through my facade, but they most assuredly knew the reason for my coldness. My ever present glare and my unforgiving icy eyes was a cover. I had lost my dearest friend many years ago. He was a trusted advisor and a great warrior. I loved him, for he was my son. After his death, I shoved away all feelings and built a wall to keep them from showing. Today was the day the wall would crumble. Starting with little cracks and turning into dust. My people needed me.

“My people! My friends!” I shouted so that all would hear, “today calls for bravery, courage, and hope. Today, push aside all fear, for hope remains! Let us fight for our homes, fight for our land, and fight for each other! Have you forgotten that our allies are coming? Muster all your strength and all your heart! Let us fight!”

Just like that, my army let out a deafening yell, a battle cry, and raised their swords and readied their bows. I gave the signal and we rushed forward into battle with a newfound hope. My sword encountered another’s and it began. The traumatizing sounds of battle erupted. There was no turning back.The next few days would be filled with chaos, trauma, and pain, but most importantly, hope.