The Old General

A 100 word short story

The rising sun brought welcome warmth to aching bones.

He practised sword play, repetition by careful repetition.

Sweat beaded his brow, but he dare not stop.

As the village desperately watched on, Faye entered the arena, leading his horse.

Embracing her, Grimbauld felt love swell his heart, alongside fear and regret.

“They look to an old man to save them?”

She gently kissed him.

“An old hero maybe.”

Mounting into the saddle, knees burning with pain, he raised his blade to the heavens.

Villagers cheered as knights fell in behind their general.

Only Grimbauld knew none of them would return.

---

So, this story was inspired by a prompt by the wonderful

Caro Henry

to come up with a 100 word tale inspired by the theme of “Vigor” and the word “Embrace” : -

One Hundred-Word Wonders

Thanks very much Caro.

I’ve also been, for about the 100th time, listening to the audiobook of Rubicon by Tom Holland which is about the history of the last days of the Roman Republic. I continue to find the story of General Gaius Marius fascinating. This tale was also partially inspired by the time Marius lost the consulship, when he was in his mid sixties, to Lucius Cornelius Sulla, his bitter rival, and, rather than accept defeat like old men of Rome were supposed to, he took to his arena, in front of hundreds of adoring fans, riding out every morning going through military drills as if he was still on the battlefield.

Unfortunately, a few years later, as with most things in Rome, it did end up in bloody Civil War which Marius lost to Sulla. However, his exploits before then are well worth reading up on.

And, finally, this is also a prequel to my very first story concerning Grimbauld which I wrote way back in January. Doesn’t time pass quickly when you’re having fun : -

The Last Days of Grimbauld The Great

Anyway, hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks for reading. Until next time.