Previous Challenge Entry (EDITOR'S CHOICE)
Topic: SPARKLE( 08/19/21)
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TITLE:
When I Saw Silver | Writing Challenge By Jack Taylor 08/26/21 |
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3rd Place
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Front line troops are vulnerable but they see it all happening up close and personal. You could smell the fear in the air. Incense, blood, burning meat, charcoal from smoking fires and of course the unwashed bodies of marchers who’d spent hours under the broiling sun. You could see the shimmer of sunlight off the weapons on display all around the fortress – daring us to charge.
The day everything changed, it was more like a parade. We were out front, trumpeters right behind, the core strength of our community on display ahead of the rear guard and the rest of the militia.
“We’d already heard the news – “Their hearts are melting and their courage has failed.â€
It was a relief to finish a day and huddle with your family dreaming of what could be. The desert trek had been brutal – sand working its way into every stitch of our clothing, grit growing in between our toes. We had nothing but we had everything provided if you can stomach a monotonous diet.
The citadel was impenetrable but our fearless leader assured all of us that victory was secure. The days had been brutal but we were ready, battle hardened. Our scouts had done the dangerous work – penetrating the defenses – assuring us that this was the first of many triumphs ahead. One of the two men spoke of untold wealth and luxury on display in every corner. “Wouldn’t it be nice,†I told my wife.
The scenario played out in a way I didn’t expect. I was part of the largest battle contingent, a frontrunner. My father, grand-father and great-grandfather had been at the forefront of building a solid tradition of warfare and leadership. We had sacrificed generation after generation to prove ourselves and to establish our status. Caleb, one of our own, had shown his distinction and courage years before and we all would benefit now. It wouldn’t be long until all that was rewarded.
As we moved around the citadel one woman sat in her window, seemingly unafraid. Sparkles on a bangle caught my attention. My wife would love something nice like that. A red rope hung to the ground as if inviting us to scale the wall into her place. Perhaps a mockery. The massive gates were sealed shut. The barrels of boiling pitch, the archers, the boulders lined up to be dropped on us. It was an impressive display of unbeatable.
The march that day was long, the sun was brutal, the dust thick. The tactic seemed pointless but ours was but to do or die. The adrenaline surge lasted for the first few hours. Silence was the order until the final step was taken. The trumpets blared and we all unleashed the deepest scream of joy and terror we could muster.
The general called us to attention. “When the time is right, everyone dies except the woman with the red cord and anyone with her. Take everything of value for God, but nothing for yourself. You’ll only bring trouble on us all if you do.â€
It was almost too easy as battles go. When we shouted, the bricks in the walls seemed to come apart and fall. As if a mighty force had crushed them in place. The walls fell in on the people and we squeezed through the breeches and took out anyone who stood in our way.
It pays to be one of the first ones on the scene. The resistance was soon over and we did our duty to collect what was left. Luxury like I’d never seen before penetrated every portal and nook and cranny. It was the sparkle of silver that caught my attention. I dumped my share in the carts and then it hit me. Why shouldn’t I get my share? Who’s going to notice?
“There was a beautiful robe from Babylonia – just one. There was a bar of gold – just one. It was the two hundred shekels of silver that did me in. I couldn’t help thinking of how my family would benefit in a new place with something to get us started. Yes, I hid it.â€
My explanation proved pointless. It was clear. The sparkle had gone out of the general’s eye.
Joshua 6-7
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