The huge iron gates opened
And I could hear the roar of the crowd
As the sun beat down on my body
Wielding my sword and shield
Ready to do battle
With whomever came out next
The gate opened I saw my opponent
No how could they do this
My best friend and warrior
I would not fight him
One had to die
To satisfy their blood lust
For death in the arena
He stood there looking at me
As my shield and sword dropped to the floor
He walked towards me
Sword held out ready for battle
As I told him I would not do this
And to run his blade through me
The sunlight beating us both down
As the chants from the arena
Could be heard for miles
I saw the gleam on the cold steel
As he lifted it
I wouldn't move as he brought it down
And thrust it deep into his own stomach
As he grabbed my hand
And forced me to push it through him
I held him onto him
As I felt his blood drip over my fingers
His head rested on my shoulder
As he whispered
I’m sorry my brother my warrior friend
I couldn’t do it either
As his head went to one side
And he died in my arms
I lay him to the floor
And screamed at the crowd
Tell me what is so victorious
WIthin this man’s death
I lay down both our swords side by side
His seeping blood staining the scorched earth
As I picked him up
And carried his lifeless body
To his final resting place
No way was this gladiator going to be
A meal for the lions taking





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