REST HERE WARRIOR

Suddenly, the knights’ surroundings smeared like paint on a fresh canvas. The azure-tinted sky fell onto the land like crashing waves, while flowers, echoing the sky’s hue, blended with the amber grass that swirled around his legs. For the first time in a very long time, comfort washed over him. It hugged him like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. His heart. His aching heart could finally rest.

Then, from various holes in the knights’ armor a substance flowed like ink rising from deep waters—its familiar azure hue. It ascended gracefully, blending with the sky until it became indistinguishable from the heavens above. He didn’t cover the holes. He didn’t even move. He just sat there. Gazing at the mix of color before him. Listening to the song of birds. The whistle of the flowing grass. The shimmering of leaves. That was it. How could that be it? The bellows of men and their swords washed out completely. How long since he perceived the world to be this way. This peaceful. Since when? Since then? Since them?

The knight grabbed hold of a silver locket dangling from his neck. He opened it and gazed longingly at two gentle souls. The man and woman’s smile wrapped around his heart as they did every time. Then, the sound of song and laughter came. It was so familiar. So… welcoming. He put the locket close to his ear, but it was not coming from the locket. It came from the sky. It was as if it came directly from the heavens. The knight looked for the voices. He reached out his hand and watched as the substance rose from his body toward them, while he remained grounded on land. Hurry up. Then the sky opened up. It made way for a golden kingdom. The gates opened. At the foot of the gates stood shadows of a man and woman. They looked past the painted world below and directly at the knight.

“Is it time?” a shorter more feminine shadow asked.

“I think so,” said a burly shadow.

“How long has it been?”

“It is not important.”

“He fought hard for us.”

“Indeed, he did.”

“I am so proud of him.”

“If only he knew he did not need to do this for us to be proud. He thinks it is his fault for what happened. That’s why he became a knight. He thinks he failed.”

“He fought valiantly. He deserves a much-needed rest.”

“He could never fail us.”

“The pain and suffering will all be over soon. It is already running thin. You never deserved any of this.”

“Come to us, Damon.” The burly shadow reached his hand out to Damon.

Damon removed his decaying helmet, revealing a face devoid of life. His eyes fell to peace as tears fell. A warm smile graced his lips. I’m ready.

Max Noble is a distinguished graduate of Full Sail University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Film, graduating as valedictorian. His passion for storytelling and the cinematic arts propelled him to continue his academic journey, and he is currently pursuing a degree in Creative Writing at Full Sail. With aspirations of obtaining a Master’s in Screenwriting in Los Angeles, Max is dedicated to honing his craft and making a meaningful impact in the world of literature. Follow him on Instagram @thenoblemax