The knight staggers, the blood that’s left him leaving him light in his head, and that’s when the poor lad strikes, thinking himself wise. The knight turns the blow aside easily, then runs the pup through with his sword. He dies squealing for his mother. Such is the fate of the young and the poor. There are thousands of them around the knight, all terrified by the clatter of battle. How many has he killed? He’s lost track. Children sent to the slaughterhouse by old men in high towers, and he is the butcher.
Paddy Dobson
13th July 2024