Sacrifice

It was the first time this close
The attack so swift and carefully executed
The first thing I saw was the crimson trail
A streak of red that arched through the air as he fell
There had been no warning, no alert
No one would have known in time

It was just another appearance
A visit to one of the local towns
I was their idol, their leader
Pure of taint and free of desire
My presence blessed the fields
Ensured health and good harvest
The safety of their world clad in white
For me men would pick up swords
Or lay them aside to plow or till


This was no man who lay before me
Only a boy, clothes dusted with dirt
The navy blue tunic was faded with wear
The left side of his chest gleaming scarlet with pride
He lay where he fell grinning weakly
The bolt meant for me still impaling his heart
With effort he forced his arm to salute
The hazy film slowly clouding his eyes

People were shouting and running
Chasing the attacker vengeance in mind
I knelt though ignoring all else
Gently stroking his hair as his smile froze
Trading all hopes and plans for my life
A final decision with no second chances
His final gasp was with pride
Eyes still affixed on his dream
The salvation I could not give him.