Pocket Stories: Burdened
Prompt: Her skin was carved with scars that someone else earned. The crowd watched breathlessly. The princess held the sword easily in her grip. The worthy soldier kneeling before her bowed his head respectfully. With only a slight hesitation she began to speak the words of the ritual. "With this sword and with my power I proclaim thee a Guardian of the realm." Her voice grew louder and the sword began to glow a fierce white. "From this day hence you shall protect our royal person, til death takes us both." A hint of orange began to color the light from the sword. "Should you betray the trust bestowed upon you," the sword's light change to an impenetrable darkness, "the only life that shall be forfeit is your own." As she tapped the sword to both of his shoulders, the sword ceased glowing, and the princess' voice returned to her normal volume. "Rise my Guardian and take your rightful place at my side." The new Guardian r