To Arms! 3A

Your father looks at you carefully, a peculiar expression playing on his features. He kneels down and takes a very long box out from under the bed. He is overcome with an air of seriousness. Slowly he opens the lid, the hinges grind together like bone. A sword is inside. The long blade is crisp and reflects the dark of the room encasing it. Your eyes inspect the handle as your father lifts it out from the box. The hilt is entwined with elaborate patterns that you know were once important symbols of your ancestors--their meanings long dead with the lives of their beholders. 

"This is meant for you." Your father tips the sword in your direction. 

"You expect me to fight, father?" Your fingertips tingle with strange fear and anticipation. 

"It is your duty, is it not?" 

"And what is your duty, father, to run away and hide with the children?" Your face flares with anger. He is willing to sacrifice you so easily. 

"Do not speak back to me. It is my duty to lead. I cannot lead the people if I am in combat." He suddenly looks out the window. "They are coming, now hurry, go. Trust me, I know what I am doing." He looks at you deeply and puts his hand on your shoulder. He was always too proud to show much affection. He turns away and wakes your mother by placing a strong perfume under her nose. 

She wakes quickly and immediately, knowing what is happening.

"The children," she instinctively calls, and runs out of the room. 

"Go, now!" your father yells at you. 

You take the blade from him and rush to the front door. Its weight is unfamiliar in your hands but it is easy for you to control and direct. You are a natural fighter. It has shown in you since you were young, playing with simple sticks, jumping from rock to rock and battling off trees and shrubs. 

The fire from the oncoming Scorps has reached the hill below your house. You run to the bell tower and start swinging the rope, using your whole body to shift the massive bell attached. Within twenty seconds after it starts ringing, bodies come pouring out of buildings, brandishing weapons of all sorts. 

Those who were not fighting would be using underground passages to travel out of the city. They would be lead by your father. Once he reached the connecting city he would conduct an agreement with them and ask them for aid. 

For now though, it was just you, and all the other country folk from your village. 

All of a sudden you notice your friend Jonathan running towards you, his face streaked with anxiety. 

"We're outnumbered! They are attacking from the other side!" he yells, "What are we to do?" 

Of course he looks to you, the first born of the Village Leader. You feel as if you don't deserve this level of respect. You've made so many mistakes in the past. Even so, Jonathan has remained a trustworthy friend. You could share this responsibility with him; he could help you fend off the invading Scorps. What do you do?

"Help me lead! Go, take warriors to that side!" [Click Here]

"Follow my lead! I have a plan!" [Click Here]

-RH