Sand gusted gently. The crowd quieted in taut anticipation.
A moment of tranquillity held the arena.
And in that moment, Bran didn't feel the shield straps tight about his arm, the battered helm forced onto his head, or his sword's grip beneath his palm. Everything focussed on one exhalation, one breath, one tiny huuuh of life.
Magatoria, king's champion, a sword in each of his four hands, his spirit anointed by the blood of uncounted humans, leapt at Bran.
Calm became chaos. Blades danced in veils and ribbons of blood. Life became death.
Bran closed his eyes.
Sweet silence returned.
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Agreed on ambiguity. Totally. My first read vs. my second produced very different endings -- for the record, I like my second choice of endings. :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Brilliant. =D
DeleteThanks, Becky. =)
Bran closed his eyes... In death? I think not.
ReplyDeleteThe silence of the stunned crowd, Magatoria defeated?
Behold, a new champion.
That is certainly one interpretation, Steve... ;D
DeleteLoved this line: "Calm became chaos. Blades danced in veils and ribbons of blood. Life became death."
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen, I particularly liked that line too. =)
DeleteAh, Magatoria leaping at Bran is one terrifying sight! But I do think, the ending offers more than one interpretation and future. I would bet my money that that moment of clarity and silence is the strongest weapon.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a great take on the ending. Thank you, Cindy. =)
DeleteAwesome atmosphere here, that calm before the fight captured fantastically.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Aaron. =)
Delete