The blade of the sword swung again, singing its high pitch as it swept through the air before hacking through flesh, muscle then bone. Through plate and chain the body was cleaved almost in two. The unshakable agonizing sound of death howled from the fallen mans throat as his dying breath left his lungs and gurgled into his throat. Blood sprayed from his mouth then oozed from thewound as the blade was drawn from his body. A forcible kick was required to remove the blade entirely, perhaps stuck in a bit in one of the rib bones. The once glinting metal was covered in blood from tip to pommel. The victims sword was then kicked aside in unnecessary reassurance that its owner wouldnt be using it again.
     A glance around the field displayed only the top layer of death. Bodies piled on top of bodies; some places hip deep. Where one body ended and another began was only ones guess. Limbs, heads, and various other body parts were strewn about as they were hacked off or pulled apart. Pyres that were built in haste had begun to light the darkening sky with ash as smoke drifted upward on the wind with the bodies being thrown upon them.
     The stench of death rose as the smoke billowed over the purple and red hues of twilight. The horrible sound of death was all around. Those who werent dead wished they were; their wishes would soon be granted. The victors, the few who were left alive and able to move, stepped from body to body, turning and searching for those who they recognized from their own side. They finished their enemies by running them through the heart or by beheading. It was apparent that it couldnt be left to chance that someone survive and carry word for reinforcements.
     There didn't seem to be much hope of survivors from either side. It had been one of the bloodiest battles and things didnt seem quite over yet. There were still some who struggled to hide amongst the dead or to drag themselves to some sort of haven. But there was nowhere to go. The field was large and overgrown, but offered no rocks or trees large enough to hide behind and it was too far to the river. The able-bodied men continued their search through the living and dying.
     The setting sun set cause for haste in sorting the bodies of the living from the dead. Those still alive were covered in blood making them almost undistinguishable from one another. The bodies of the dead or who would soon be dead were dragged to the burning pyres; a message left for those who might follow. Nothing was to be left for chance.
     Armor that once protected now seemed a hindrance serving only in slowing down the progress. One had to wonder if it was safe enough to throw down the sword to speed things along. The blade dropped to the ground and the bloodied and battle-worn hands were held up to observe. A blood-curdling scream came from deep within as the hands began to shake in horrified disbelief.

If you would like to read the entire book go to: of pen & ink
The book "Sacrifices" can be found in the Fantasy Books section.

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