Fallen among the stars

The light comes and I

Raise myself to it in welcome

A supplicant

My voice no longer my own.

I hear the howls of the Things-That-Are

Their maws snap and lunge

Vicious in anticipation

Looming near.

He steps forward, weapon drawn

I hold out my hand to him

To them

And they fall

From my whisper “Not now.”

I kneel beside his body prone

Lifeless eyes

A fallen sword

Among silent beasts

I stand.

I have come to claim

My own

My self

Triumphant

Warriors

We are won.