He’s just received word; they’re rationing the food, but the people are perishing quickly. After seven years, it’s his turn. After seven years without sunlight, Haldan is here to end the Dark Siege.
Haldan, the last prince.
The once-lofty trees have fallen into embers, silhouettes stark against the fog. A shadow passes.
Haldan draws his father’s engraved sword. He hears the crunch of bones underfoot, bones of the six challengers before him. His father’s bones.
The Dark King emerges, his blackened, cracked skin obscuring him amongst the burnt trees. He looms over Haldan, blade glowing like fire.
Haldan realizes this blade was the last thing his father ever saw.
His voice trembles, “I am here to free my people.”
A fathomless laugh rumbles through the ground. “Their freedom will be found only in death.”
Effortlessly, the King fells Haldan. He hits the ground and the onyx blade of the King pins Haldan to the earth. He gasps.
The King bends down and laughs again. The force of it rallies Haldan and he swings and his sword finds purchase in the King’s neck.
The King’s laugh transforms into a fatal gurgle. He falls, his reign forever over.
At once, sunlight floods the forest; embers become moss; fresh trees emerge from charred husks. The Elves are free, the forest restored. Haldan and his sword rest in the new grass among the bones of his ancestors. And in the light of the renewed sun, Haldan and his father find each other once again.
© Sophie Alexander, 2025. All rights reserved. Do not repost without permission.
