Alithoras: A Short Story

In less than 1500 words, O’Flaherty masterfully draws up the war in impressively minute detail. Every movement, every thought that goes through the mind of our protagonist is presented as it is in a raw format which heightens the stakes of the battle. The viewer can’t help but be enveloped by the confrontation of the two snipers as they match their knowledge, their experience

"...I feel no shame, with shield and swordand armor, against this monster: when he comes to me I mean to stand, not to run from his shooting flames, stand still fate decides which one of us wins. My heart is firm, my hands calm: I need no hot words. Wait for me close by, my friends. We shall see, soon, who will survive this bloody battle, stand when the fighting is done. No one else could do what I mean to, here, no man but me could hope to defeat this monster. No one could...try..."

In the time in which the story takes place, it was customary for Kings to reward the loyalty of their Knights with glory, land, and power, however, due to the envy towards Lanval felt by his peers and King he is rejected socially and denied his “compensation.” This causes him to feel alone and disconnected from society. The writer mentions how he approaches

Word has traveled across the seas to Geatland of a great disturbance in Heorot. A threatening creature has befallen on Hrothgar, King of the Danes, and his people. In no time, a Geat by the name of Beowulf arrives at Heorot. However, why would one man, an unpopular man at that, not known of possessing any strength or talent, travel a great distance to offer his services to the Danes? Textual evidence provides that Beowulf, although he proves himself brave and strong, expresses his ego through boasting of his epic deeds, illuminating on his strength and wit. In addition to feeding his ego, it can be proved that Beowulf is out to make a legend of himself since he comes from a broken lineage, and in the time of the Danes and

            Whenever he looks into the eyes of an enemy soldier, he does not see a man, but sees death staring back at him.  He has no choice; the enemy cannot and will not coexist with him.  It

You cannot menace as before." Hans said. His voice was friendly and he had a broad smile on his face. "Your decisions had brought the disaster on us. I fear that my duty as King forces me to relieve you of your responsibilities ."

Blind to the truth of what really happens. It’s times like this where I am forever grateful for the experience I have already been faced with gruesome events. Yet that hateful feeling of dread continues to tower over me each and every day. It’s challenging to recall what it was like for me the first I set foot on the battle field, as it seems like a lifetime ago. I suppose that I have lived a lifetime in these trenches. I wish that with every enemy I shoot it shall not say with me. A constant reminder of our sacrifices, I’m on edge as it feels like a continuous want for death. Bewildered as to when it will strike again shaken by the fact that it could be me carried away, or left in the barbarous

"Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero's armour." In the epic story, the hero Beowulf is viewed and expected to be a model hero. Coming from the Geats, a powerful tribe, Beowulf has to maintain the reputation of the family lineage. In Beowulf’s value of reputation, he hopes to achieve infamy by saving the human race. The human world is worth protecting so his reputation and legacy can live on forever; this is significant because his reputation does not only define himself but also his culture.

“War, hell of earth, made by humans, and there greed over land, and riches. When I was a kid I read all these war stories and I wonder how heroic it would be to fight but, reading about this in some text book isn’t the same as being there. When reading a book you don’t see a man burn to death, a woman ran over by tanks or the bodies, countless bodies some that span over 20 feet when they met the likes of a mortar head-on, although now it’s more like head off.”

“We are fighters. We mourn our losses, but do not dwell. I believe that the hunt for Tayden should continue promptly.”

"It wasn't your fault he was... killed that day. Well it's really late and I am tired... Please forgive yourself.... Please." Queen Isabelle said looking at her brother a lone tear gently falling down her cheek. King Henry whipped away her tear and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight and... I will try... I just wish he could come back for like a second... to say he isn't mad at me. To say that he forgives me or something." The king said sadly smiling at his sister. "He probably wishes it to... He is probably watching you right now and he is sad that you are sad and that you are suffering. He loves you and so dose the rest of us... Thank you for letting us stay over for the week" Queen Isabelle said with a smile. "Not a problem! Anything for you sis." King Henry said cheering up a bit as Queen Isabelle walked to the door. "Love you... See you in the morning." Queen Isabelle said walking out of the room

“My King,” Earl Michal says, moving through the door. “The nobles are clamoring for your presence. Word has spread throughout the castle of what has transpired between you and the Prince.”

“I was weary of petty sword fights with my brothers and servants.” I said. “I wanted a real challenge that would provide me with some amusement.”

The wind was cold but was defeated by the fire that conquered the lands, we stood our post covered in , my feelings were vanished by the pictures that were projected onto my mind. Savaged turned simple, shoulder to shoulder, the faces of my enemies were unknown but their actions were enough to show their nature.

“The captain was right in asking me not hurting you, since not only were you telling the truth, you are also a great person” Siri added in a humble tone. “Anyway, the captain is almost always right. It must be because he gathers the knowledge of the nobles and the instinct and the tenacity of the warriors.” Siri’s voice became dreamy and her face lit.