Chapter 21: Constant Irritance

Swords clashing and men grunting block out the constant irritants of my father's rants. The smell of sweat and blood heavy in the air. Starring at the ground in utter defeat once I've hit the ground with a hard thud once more. My small, pale body covered in dirt and bruises. My legs covered in turf marks.

The dirt and dust burning my wounds, the salty sweat of mine doesn't help either. Tears threatening to spill, I lift my arm and wipe off the sweat from my forehead.

Being snapped out of my haze when I feel a force of contact hit the back of my head. My head thumps in pain, my pounding in my ears. "Boy, are you listening to me!" My father yelled in rage.

He continues screaming, "Look me in the eyes when I'm talking to you!" I lift my head in silence to look at the king standing in front of me. His face is red and drenched. His teeth are crooked and his face grotesque to look at.

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