The weeping warrior's smile

There in the High Tower of the Castle Lord Kartan rose from his knees, all the world was holding its breath waiting. The tears on his face had not yet tried but reflected the rays of sunlight into all directions. No whisper was heard as he descended down the steps of the tower into the open court of the castle.

Nothing had changed but something was different.

There was fire in his eyes, fire so bright that even the sun could not compete with the intensity displayed in Lord Kartan's eyes. He ordered his former servant to bring his old stallion who rejoiced at the sight of his master. The stallion kneeled down allowing Lord Kartan to mount and then rose to full height, proudly presenting his Lord. Drawn sword in his hand Lord Kartan rode out of the deserted castle into the open country, the stallion's feet were flying over the green grass.

Alone he and his stallion rode towards their destiny, he would not rest till he had avenged his parent's death and freed his beautiful bride, not even death or hell would stop him now.

As he crossed the mountains surrounding his castle, he blew his horn, the horn of friendship and from distant mountain peeks echoed the response. His friends had heard him and would meet him at the appointed place.

Lord Kartan drew his sword and then commanded his stallion to run as swift as the wind.

Rushing down the mountain into uncertainty, war and death, something odd happened, his eyes burned even brighter.

And he smiled.