Battle

((Sequel to 'Awaiting' and prequel to 'Victory')) The castle walls were crumbling. Agonizing cries of terror pierced the night But trebuchets continued to bombard The aged and failing stone. Arrows rained down from atop the battlements, Hands moving from quiver to bow As fast as fear would allow. Yet the men on the muddied ground continued To advance upon the stronghold. Gleaming swords held high, battle cries unfurled, The metal of their armor clanging together With every metered step. The castle keep would fall. But the men inside would not surrender to the masses That raged on towards them. The large, wooden door was lowered Fathers, sons, brothers charged out, Warriors all. They would fight and die for their home. The sharp ring of metal filled the air As enemy swords collided. Shield beat against shield. Bodies fell and were trodden upon. And as the battle raged on, The ground became soaked with blood.