I wrote this story as an exercise to submit it to The Ink Well Fiction Prompt #118, in which we were asked to highlight the words wish, button and sky; in addition, we were asked to highlight the setting of the story, described in the post Writing Tip #33: What Is Your Story's Setting?. It was not easy to write the story or to orient it towards a clear ending, and I had a hard time limiting myself to the requested amount, but it has served me well as a test for my vocation as a storyteller. I hope it meets the expectations of the call for entries.
The Buttons of Heaven: Revenge in the Darkness
«Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini Tuo da gloriam».
Motto of the Order of the Templars
As evening fell and the battle waned in intensity, Otakar found himself immersed in a desolate landscape. Lifeless bodies lay strewn across the battlefield, mute witnesses to the violence and tragedy that had befallen them. Amidst the darkness and silence, only glimmers of dim light pierced the clouds, illuminating the horizon and revealing a macabre spectacle. However, in the midst of that chaos lay the distinctive buttons of the soldiers of the Hungarian Black Army, bearers of the cross representing the god of heaven.
These buttons, shiny and glowing, become small guiding lights among the corpses, like beacons pointing a way forward in the midst of despair. Otakar, thirsty for vengeance, finds in them a divine sign, a promise of justice and redemption. He kneels on the blood-soaked ground and picks up one of the buttons with reverence. He holds it between his fingers, feeling its rough texture and significant weight. It is a symbol of power and protection, a constant reminder of his purpose and the presence of the god who dwells in the sky.
With each button he finds, Otakar's resolve strengthens. They are like stars in the darkness, guiding him toward his destiny and fueling his desire for vengeance. The cross engraved on them reminds him of the faith that drives him, the belief that his actions have a purpose beyond mere personal vengeance. It is in the midst of this Dantesque scenario that the young man plunges into the maelstrom of battle. He wraps himself in the uniform of a fallen soldier of the Black Army, takes up his weapons and goes into the darkness to confront the wounded Turks. His thirst for revenge is unleashed with ferocity, and his determination is unshakable.
It was dusk on the battlefield, and Otakar, now a soldier of the Black Army, found himself immersed in a chaotic and desolate scene. The screams of agony and the clatter of weapons still echoed in the air as darkness descended over the field. The pungent smell of blood permeated his senses, mingling with the dust and sweat of exhausted warriors. As he waded through the fallen bodies, Otakar experienced a strange mixture of terror and satisfaction. His desire for revenge burned within him, driving him to take every life that crossed his path.
Otakar has now become a shadowy figure among the mutilated bodies, his movements precise and deadly. As he moves forward, he leaves a trail of death and destruction in his wake. The sound of clashing swords, agonized screams and the smell of blood and gunpowder mingle in the air, creating a macabre symphony. At that moment, Otakar feels connected to something greater than himself. He feels the presence of the sky god listening to him and guiding him. The buttons with the cross become a source of strength and hope in the midst of chaos and violence.
As the battle draws to a close and twilight tints the horizon with somber hues, the young man stands as a survivor in a sea of corpses. He has fulfilled his vengeance and found a purpose beyond himself. Thus it is that, in this harrowing and bloody scenario, the young man is transformed into a dark hero. Dressed in the uniform of a deceased soldier, his figure blends in with the others, a shadowy specter dancing among death and chaos. His hands clutch the weapons he has acquired from the fallen, each with its own history of violence and bloodshed. His determination is relentless, his movements swift and lethal.
But now, Otakar thought, among the inert bodies, the belongings of the fallen soldiers were spoils of war that became treasures for those willing to take advantage of them. Without hesitation, he began collecting valuables, armor, weapons and other implements that could be sold in the future. The battlefield became his source of wealth, a mine of opportunity in the midst of destruction. Every wounded or dead Turk was an opportunity for him. He appropriated their belongings, robbing them of their last vestige of honor. He was a scavenger who fed on the misfortune of others.
Over time, Otakar accumulated a great deal of money. Enough to buy a sturdy horse and set out on a long journey to Constantinople, the great imperial city. There, he presented himself as a soldier of the Black Army, flaunting his uniform and his newly acquired fortune. The city exuded dazzling opulence and cultural diversity. Otakar, now a mercenary, decided to invest his money in property and begin recruiting soldiers to form his own private army. He heard rumors about the Teutonic Order, an ancient and powerful order of chivalry operating in northern Europe, and decided to head there in search of new opportunities.
He marched to Lithuania, where the order's headquarters was located, wearing his Black Army uniform and with his eyes full of ambition. His destiny was intertwined with that of the Teutonic Order, and his thirst for power and revenge was fueled with every step he took. Otakar, whose history had been forged in tragedy and violence, was ready to face new challenges and horizons. As he moved on to his next destination, in Lithuania, he became more and more immersed in the mystique of the Teutonic Order. The land was steeped in history and legends, and Otakar longed to be part of that legacy of honor and nobility.
The Order's headquarters stood majestically before his eyes, imposing and full of ancient secrets. Upon entering its walls, Otakar found himself surrounded by brave and devoted knights, who dedicated their lives to the defense of the faith and the protection of the underprivileged. Impressed by his fervor and determination, the members of the Order welcomed him, and he became one of them. He learned the arts of war, strategy and discipline, and soon stood out as a born leader.
Notwithstanding deep in his heart, Otakar still harbored the thirst for vengeance that had driven him from the beginning. Although he had found a noble purpose in the Teutonic Order, he could not forget the spilled blood of his family and the desire for justice. He then proved his worth in numerous battles, leading his companions with skill and courage. His name became known throughout the region, and his fame as a military leader and mercenary grew rapidly.
But the real transformation came when he had the opportunity to come face to face with the Turks, those responsible for the tragedy that had marked his life. In a fierce and fierce battle, Otakar fought his way through the enemy ranks, unleashing his anger and thirst for revenge with every stroke of his sword. Victory was finally his, and amidst the rubble and fallen bodies, the young man found a glimmer of peace. He had consummated his vengeance, honored his family and proved his worth as a warrior.
However in the midst of the glory and triumph, Otakar also realized that revenge was not the true path to redemption. He realized that he had lost some of his humanity in the obsessive pursuit of justice and that the time had come to find a higher purpose. With the courage and wisdom he had gained on his journey, he decided to use his experience and skills to fight for a nobler cause: peace and the protection of the most vulnerable. He vowed to become a defender of justice and a symbol of hope in a world convulsed by war and discord.
Thus, Otakar, whose name was lost in time until a king deemed it appropriate for his son, became a legend, a peerless knight whose legacy transcended borders and epochs. His story, told in whispers and written in the pages of history, was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the power of love and redemption could emerge, lighting the way to a better future.
This is such an allegorical tale, @morey-lezama. The thirst for justice and revenge often does not lead us where we think it will. Your story is well told, and you did great with the prompt. But where is the wish? 😄
Oh, that was really impressive story. Your imaginative mind came up with something a taste of vengeance and justice. I loved it though. !PIZZA
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@dennnmarc(4/5) tipped @morey-lezama
The stage is so dark and aggressive that you made me enter it. Otakar is a determined and sagacious warrior with an unwavering personality to achieve his goal. He has finished as a legend, but I'm sure many more will follow his legacy. Excellent story friend.
Yes, others will probably follow, which could mean a continuation of the story. Thank you very much.
A somber story that makes us realize that battles don't always give us satisfaction or inner peace when they are won, sometimes it's just letting it flow. Regards
Good reading, @ricardo993. Indeed: "battles do not always give us satisfaction or inner peace". Greetings.