WEP August - Change of Heart

So I actually wrote this piece for April's WEP, but I was ill so didn't get to post it in the end. I'm quite glad, as it suits this month's theme so much more.



Change of Heart

‘Are you ready for this?’ Paul asked.
Brian nodded, trying to steady his shaking hands.
‘You’re the only one who can defeat him,’ Molly said. ‘We believe in you.’ She stepped back to join Paul.
Brian balled his fists as he looked at the huge stone doors before him. He took a deep breath and pushed them open.
Before the doors closed, Brian glimpsed Paul and Molly turn and begin to walk away.
It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness inside. With a whispered word he created light in the palm of his hand, raising it so it would light up the room. It was empty apart from another doorway, much smaller than the first, hidden away in the corner. Brian marched through it and found himself in a large chamber, lit by many flickering candles mounted along the walls. Someone stood at the end of the room, shrouded in shadow, turning to face Brian as the door creaked shut.
‘You’re here at last,’ he said. ‘I’ve been waiting for you, the hero of the hour.’
A bead of sweat ran down Brian’s temple. ‘Well I’m here now.’
‘I thought you’d come much sooner. All those people you could have saved…’
Brian scowled. ‘You won’t hurt anyone else. I won’t let you.’
‘How very heroic of you, but it seems you don’t understand. You can’t defeat me. You won’t stop me. This needs to happen. All those people that died, they had to. This world doesn’t work, not the way the Council runs it.’
‘And I suppose you could do a better job?’
The man smirked. ‘I already am. Not only am I the most powerful sorcerer in this world, I know exactly what needs doing to fix it, and I’m the only one willing to take the required steps.’
‘And that involves killing innocent people?’ Brian raised his hand, and a flame appeared in his palm. ‘I don’t need to hear anymore. You’re insane.’
He threw the fireball, but the man deflected it easily. ‘I told you, you can’t defeat me.’
‘I can,’ Brian said, summoning another fireball. ‘I’m the only one who can defeat you, who can stop this.’
The man starting laughing, his voice echoing off the stone walls so it sounded like there was a crowd of people laughing in the empty room.
‘Oh yes, the prophecy.’ He said. ‘I heard about that. A tad convenient, don’t you think? A prophecy saying that you, an orphan with no real family who just so happens to be an extremely gifted sorcerer, are the key to defeating me.’
‘What do you mean?’ Brian said.
‘Does it mention you by name?’ The man said, raising an eyebrow.
‘Well no, but-’
‘Then it could apply to dozens of boys. Why you?’
Brian was silent.
‘Ah, I see. The prophecy made you feel special, so you didn’t even bother to question it. I hate to tell you this boy, but you’re being used. The Council, who you love so much, and would apparently die for, are using you to clean up their own mess.’
‘I don’t care what you say,’ Brian said, his nails digging into his palm. ‘I’ve come here to stop you, and that’s what I’m going to do. There are people counting on me.’
‘Has it ever occurred to you that I’m doing this for a reason? That maybe I’m not just some insane, power-hungry sorcerer? As I’ve already tried to tell you, I’m trying to make this sorry excuse for a world a better place.’
‘I still don’t see how killing people is supposed to help you with that.’
‘Some sacrifices are necessary. Why don’t you ask your dear Council about the real cause of the rebellion? The real reason the war started in the first place? How many innocent lives they’ve sacrificed?’
‘You’re lying,’ Brian said, his mouth dry. ‘You started the war and the rebellion, all because you wanted power-’
‘I won’t deny that I love power, but there are two sides to every story. Maybe I started the rebellion, but I’m not the one who caused it. Nobody chooses to follow the Council; they do because they must. We all know what happens to those who openly defy the Council; my rebels choose to follow me. I’ve caused many deaths, but at least I’m honest about it. How many deaths do you think the Council have caused, and blamed on somebody else? The truth is, the death count wouldn’t have been nearly as high if it weren’t for your dear Council.’
He took a few steps towards Brian, moving out of the shadows and into the light. Brian raised the arm holding the fireball.
‘You can’t defeat me. Powerful as you are, it isn’t enough. They invented that prophecy so someone would do their dirty work for them, as they’ve done countless times in the past, and they chose you. Join me. Together, we would be more powerful than anyone. We could stop the Council’s tyranny, end the wars, make this world a better place.’
Brian thought of Molly and Paul, his so-called best friends, safe and out of harms way, never offering to lend assistance, always happy to let him endanger himself alone. He thought of the Council, who had trained him ceaselessly since birth, all so he could defeat the man standing in front of him, telling him it was his duty to save the world. He thought of all the times the Council had used him, all the times they’d made it clear that they didn’t care whether he lived or died.
Brian stepped forwards, the fireball on his palm vanishing.
‘Are you sure?’ The man asked. ‘Once you cross over, there’s no turning back.’
Brian shrugged. ‘You’re right. I don’t want to be another one of the Council’s puppets. Time to choose my own way.’
The man grinned widely, and held out his hand. Brian reached out and shook it.

Word count 997: FCA

Comments

  1. Yay Brian. Not only a hero, but a thinker. I do love reading the 'flip-side' to familiar tales. Questions which have often beset me.
    Thank you so much for this wonderful take.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I hope you're feeling much better!
    This is a great entry and would have worked for April's - Road Less Traveled. Very interesting story and I too wonder where it'll take him.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Laura - yes I hope you're feeling better and will remain so. That's great he had a change of heart and realised the other side was where he should be ... Well told - cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was hoping that Brian wouldn't give in to the man. I saw the stranger as deceptive and evil. It reminded me of Judas in the Bible who found out there was not turning back after betraying Jesus.

    I was very much engaged until the end.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G

    ReplyDelete
  5. The truth that hides
    within my soul
    it's for me alone
    I've Been Told
    the truth through
    my eyes I see
    yet will it be the right
    Truth for me

    A great story where one must learn to walk their own path

    ReplyDelete
  6. Did not expect the ending. Good job. Interesting twist.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Did he betray or make the right choice? Tough call!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This story raises more questions than gives answers. I'm left wondering: who is lying, the Council or the sorcerer. Or maybe both, because they both want to use Brian. That man has a tough road in front of him. I hope he'll find his own path.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Twisted logic could bring anyone around as there is always a sliver of truth. May have made the right choice, or not.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Laura, I hope you are in full health now and continue to be. We missed you, selfishly. It's great to have you back again and writing an intriguing story. I confess, and judging by other comments, that this story can be interpreted in different ways. I'm rooting for Brian, so I hope I'm applauding the right team, LOL! Loved the ending. I don't envy Brian his path from here. Maybe we'll hear more about him through WEP extracts

    Thanks for posting to the challenge!

    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  11. I enjoyed this take on the prompt. Nice twist at the end. I like that it's not clear whether he's making the right choice or not, but at least he's not acting blindly. Great story.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I enjoyed the take on the prompt. A classic style fantasy tale, where the line between good and evil is clearly blurred. Great story.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Interesting point of view. We can't assume all is black or white and even the enemy sorcerer has a side to his story. Need to make up our own minds and not follow blindly.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very interesting and I like the ambiguity and the partial reveal. The reader isn't sure who's the good guy - the Council or the sorcerer. And is Brian being duped or is he the saviour? Every story has multiple sides to it. Great take on the prompt.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Valid question presented here, but who knows if he ultimately made the right choice, or was fooled by someone else?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ooh, I like this! I'd love to see the backstory, and what happens next. I hope he's made the right decision!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love that Brian stopped to consider whether he was on the right side at all. It's clear he's been used, but did he make the right choice in switching sides? It's impossible to say, but I'm glad to see him actively make a decision here. I love how you challenged the chosen one trope here. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I wonder if switching sides is the right choice?
    He may have been used by the Council... but what if he's about to be used again?
    I suppose he'll find out soon enough.
    At least he made a conscious decision; unlike the fact that from birth, he had been groomed in preparation for this exact moment... wow.
    Great story!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Well I didn't expect that ending. An interesting take on the theme, I'm still dithering as to whether he made the right decision.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Neat twist on fantasy tropes and well-written. When Paul and Molly turned away at the beginning, I had my doubts about them as true friends - it was if they expected him to die, or solve everything on his own. Perhaps he has, Clever change of heart - and a lesson for all that depend on trained puppets. Or has he been bewitched? Tune in next time?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow. That's turning the prophecy cliche on its ear. A good twist, an unexpected change of heart. Nice work.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, this was great. I don't know if Brian made the right choice, seems like the sorcerer has a velvet tongue, so to speak. I hope he hasn't just made things worse. Nice fantasy atmosphere and seems like a slice of a longer story that I'd like to read.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sorry I'm late getting around, but I sure liked your story. At first I thought this sorcerer might be Satan himself, but I hope not, or that handshake could seal Brian's fate. An interesting change of heart - but heroes come in all sorts. Some are true to their cause and some can flip if the other side looks better. I wondered if the guy Brian was talking to used his powers to sway his feelings? A great take on the prompt!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Gotta love a good twist at the ending... Well done! Was not expecting that at all!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice twist ending--and we may never know if he made the right choice, either! I mean, the Council does sound kind of dubious. I'm glad Brian is thinking it through on his own, anyway, even if he gets it wrong (and I kind of think he might be right).

    ReplyDelete
  26. Interesting twist at the end. Well-written.

    ReplyDelete
  27. very specific nice content. This article is very much helpful and i hope this will be an useful information for the needed one.Keep on updating these kinds of informative things
    I likable the posts and offbeat format you've got here! I’d wish many thanks for sharing your expertise and also the time it took to post!!

    Best Website For TV Series & Movies Free Download & Games 

    The Flash Season 1  

    The Flash Season 2 Full  

    The Flash Season 5 Full  

    Daringbaaz Lootere 2019 Full Movies  

    Brooklyn Nine-Nine  

    ReplyDelete

  28. Dental implants were first introduced in 1952 by Swedish orthopaedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Today, dental implants are deemed the standard prosthetic replacement for missing teeth.
    In essence, a dental implant is a surgical fixture placed into the jawbone. It is then given a few months to fuse with the bone in the jaw. Dental implants act as replacement for the root of the missing tooth. Said artificial tooth will also hold the bridge or replacement tooth in place.
    Find out how.

    ReplyDelete
  29. THOPTV Website. Watch 3000+ Indian and International Channels with 7 days of Indian CATCHUP TV and 3000+ Movies and VODs and TV Serials from anywhere.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello Admin, First off Congratulations on this Post and Nice information for a new blogger…it is really helpful.

    Dragon City

    Last Day Earth Survival

    Nepmod and
    Tech News

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you for this great articles, keep posting these kinds of articles Dragon City Spotify Premium

    ReplyDelete
  33. The above article is nice and interesting, thank you willing to share! Greetings success of admin Jasa Fotocopy Murah wish you deign to visit my website, thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. وبسایت موسسه ستاره دانش پارسیان (اپلای استار) مرجع اطلاعات در خصوص تحصیل در آلمان، ویزای دانشجویی آلمان و کمک هزینه تحصیلی آلمان آماده خدمت رسانی و مشاوره به شما علاقه مندان به تحصیل در آلمان می باشد.
    دانشگاه تورنتو
    دانشگاه مونترال
    دانشگاه مک گیل

    ReplyDelete
  35. PSC Result 2020 will be published after few days. If you want to see Full marksheet SSC Result 2020 click here.
    Dakhil Result 2020
    Full Marksheet also can see here at SSC Result 2020
    SSC Result 2020 by SMS

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks for the info, Check out whatsapp gb original the best mod apk

    ReplyDelete
  37. There are more updates in the classes that you can select from and also you have an opportunity to change your class during the gameplay. ocean of games call of duty

    ReplyDelete
  38. Really very happy to say, your post is very interesting to read. I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up. Themes Fusion Cover template

    ReplyDelete
  39. Great post I must say and thanks for the information. Education is definitely a sticky subject. However, is still among the leading topics of our time. I appreciate your post and look forward to more. roas calculation

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hello friends,
    This is good thinker and writer. Very interesting blog.

    Best Sandalwood Powder

    Here we see best sandalwood powder shop in India. Sandalwood powder is very useful for our healthy. Please visit above website.


    Baby Molish Oil
    Here we see best massage oil for baby. Baby massage oil is very important for new born baby . Please check above link for best shop for baby massage oil.

    ReplyDelete
  41. p on the ‘Run’ icon

    Now, the account control window opens

    Click on continue





    norton.com/setup
    www.norton.com/setup
    norton setup

    ReplyDelete
  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Veary Beatiful Information Thanks Bro Technoforpc.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your Website Share a Use Full Content Thanks Bro Information Thanks Bro Gb WhatsApp Apk Download

    ReplyDelete
  45. Patti/Panna: this sort is related to the three digits satta king of betting, but here goes the catch only a limited numbers are often wont to place the bet. Matka: The derivation of this sort is from a Hindi word sense an earthen pot. many people were trapped in gambling enthusiasts, engrossed in practice, and a storm hit India.If done correctly, Satta is a perfect thanks to make a big amount of cash during a relatively short period of your time . satta king Our portal gives you access to all or any the premium quality games that you simply require to form your Satta and hit the proper Matka. we'll provide you the simplest and therefore the fastest satta matka tips and tricks provided to us by satta matka king. Since beginners find it difficult to urge conversant in this game so for them we update regularly the foremost recent and advanced Fix Matka Tips and Tricks of Satta Matka Number. Our committed team of experts is here to help you in playing Satta Matka games online. While playing Satta king, Kalyan Matka, or Satta, Indian Matka Mobi most of the people use their birth dates, anniversary dates, any auspicious numbers, festival dates, or the other significant days when exceptional things seemed to them in their lifetime, as their ‘lucky digit’ satta king.

    Now-a-Days there are numerous Matka Market has arrived in Matka World Gambling but KALYAN game is hottest Game in India and other Countries too,Kalyan Matka Chart Defines Jodi Chart and Panel Chart,founder Mr.RATAN KHATRI.We satta king will Provide You Satta Fix Jodi,Final Ank,Kalyan Panel Chart,live result accept as true with our site,matka site,informational purposes,time bazar,patti panna,kalyan panel chart,matka gambling,closing results,milan day night,dpboss matka,kalyan result,Kalyan Fast Result,Today Kalyan Lucky Number,Matka Result,Kalyan Guessing, Kalyan Night Chart,Kalyan Final,Kalyan Night Panel Chart,Kalyan Chart 2019-2021. Other Live Result we offer Latest Results,If you accept as true with our Site Must visit For Fast Matka Result Update,Which is predicated on Matka Informational purpose Web,Satta Batta,Kalyan Panel Chart,Matka Game,Matka Market,Satta Matka Game,Matka Gameling,Closing Results, Milan Day Night,Dpboss Matka,Satta Bazar. Satta Kalyan platform also will tell you about the opening and shutting time for the above mentioned games. If you online satta play with our internet site , you'll be ready to win an outsized quantity of money with our professional satta guessing to become satta king. Satta king up sattaking result fast up satta king fast. Play a well-liked Game In India Try Your Luck And Become A SattaKing . within the Sattaking game, you're allowed to pick any number from 00 to 99, and further depends on your luck satta king.

    ReplyDelete
  46. hey, welcome guys on this article stumble guys mod apk in this post we have shared the latest version stumble guys mod lots of unlocked features like emotes /diamonds/coins/skins stumble guys mod apk unlimited money and gems

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hello guys, If you are confused about choosing the best mod of Whatsapp then don’t need to worry about it, we are here to solve all your problems about selecting the best mod of WhatsApp. https://gbwhatsapp.net/whatsapp-gold-apk/ is the perfect mod for your use.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Excellent Blog! I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.
    Also click my blog...
    top foods for kidney health

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you for this great articles, keep posting these kinds of articles
    wordpress
    ufa88kh.blogspot
    youtube
    SA GAMING

    ReplyDelete
  50. Download FarmVille Tropic Escape MOD Apk (MOD, Unlimited Money) Free Download For Android under here you easily play this game and use unlimited coins, upgrade till MAX. This is awesome for new guys here you can download the official apk it is 100% safe, and this ) Download FarmVille Tropic Escape Apk is amazing now enjoy. Here you got its working hurry up guys.

    FarmVille Tropic Escape 2 mod apk

    ReplyDelete
  51. Are you searching for Bangladesh Newspapers click here and see Bangladesh Newspapers . If you want to know or read all of the Bangladeshi newspapers and Bangla news then you can follow this post

    ReplyDelete
  52. Download KineMaster Prime Apk with no watermark. Kinemaster prime download and get benefits from its new advanced features. It's 100% working, unlocked, and premium mod apk of Kinemaster Official Version. Kinemaster Prime is a most popular and downloadable app for video editors with android phone. If you wish to use it in iPhone, Then you can also use it from our Kinemaster iOS Download Source. You can also try Kinemaster Mod Apk for all latest updates.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Kinemaster is the best video editing apk for android. Kinemaster Mod Apk is a full-featured and pro version of this app. Let's download and install this apk from the link and thanks for your nice updates.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hello your post is very helpful, thanks for wonderful information sharing. Back Pain Doctor In Lahore

    ReplyDelete

  55. हाल ही में अमेजॉन प्राइम वीडियो पर तांडव वेब सीरीज रिलीज हुई है।। इस वेब सीरीज के रिलीज होते ही यह विवाद में आ चुकी है। लोगों का मानना है कि इस वेब सीरीज ने हिंदू देवी देवताओं का अपमान किया है। क्या यह वेब सीरीज चल पाएगी या नहीं, हम इस Article जानने की कोशिश करेंगे।
    तांडव वेब सीरीज कॉन्ट्रोवर्सी, तांडव वेब सीरीज की स्टोरी पूरी जानकारी हिंदी में


    ReplyDelete

  56. การเลือกเกมที่ยิ่งใหญ่ของ 21Prive Casino กระปรี้กระเปร่าขึ้นโดยผู้ให้บริการชั้นแนวหน้าจำนวนมาก ผู้ให้บริการพวกนี้รวมทั้งNetEnt , Merkur , Pragmatic Playและก็อีกเยอะแยะ

    ตัวเลือกการธนาคารแล้วก็การผลักดันและส่งเสริม
    ผู้เล่นต้องค้นหากรรมวิธีแบงค์ที่ดีเยี่ยมที่สุดด้วย 21Prive Casino ที่เสนอแนวทางการจ่ายเงินที่กล้าแกร่งอย่างไม่น่าเชื่อ กรรมวิธีฝากและก็เบิกเงิน อาทิเช่น Visa รวมทั้ง Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Maestro, Interac, Trustly และก็การโอนเงินผ่านแบงค์
    IMIWIN
    imiwin
    imiwin

    ReplyDelete
  57. Trendy Age 2 is a geopolitical, financial and navy technique through which it’s a must to rule one of many fashionable states as president.
    Modern Age 2 MOD APK

    ReplyDelete
  58. "Thank you for nice information
    Please visit our website unimuda and uhamka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    ReplyDelete
  59. betflix แจ็คพอตแตกบ่อย โบนัสแจกจริง รองรับคอมพิวเตอร์ โทรศัพท์มือถือ ทั้งระบบปฏิบัติการ IOS, ระบบปฏิบัติการ Android รับเครดิตฟรี

    ReplyDelete


  60. Tutorguideinindia.com is the best platform where you can find your dream clat coaching in delhi.The website has listed 10 best clat coaching institutes of delhi ncr with fees,review,facculty details.so’ if you are searching an insitiues for clat preparation then this article wil help you with the same.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Android application PacKage called APK An application file ready for installation in an
    Android device. The compressed APK file, which is a ZIP archive in the JAR format



    Instagram Plus APK

    ReplyDelete
  62. Bigg Boss Season 16 will see the return of some of the country's biggest stars.
    The contestants include Salman Khan as Host. The show will air on all days of week.

    Bigg Boss 16 Live

    ReplyDelete
  63. The blog are the best that is very valuable to keep.I grateful to creator of this blog who sharing such a helpful data, I likewise buy in your blog for all future post
    w3toys

    ReplyDelete
  64. With the unlock, the small screen made sure the entertainment quotient
    for its loyal audience is not compromised. Anupama. When ratings made the
    Watch Imlie

    ReplyDelete
  65. GogoAnime - Watch anime online in English Dub. watch free your
    favorite anime series and movies online with English subtitle.


    GoGoAnime

    ReplyDelete
  66. Very good write-up. I certainly love this website. Thanks! BD Job Circular

    ReplyDelete
  67. 中國人線上看提供熱門韓劇,chinaq, 日劇,陸劇,台劇線上看 優質影視節

    ReplyDelete
  68. 枫林网 觀眾可以在線觀看台劇、港劇、日劇、韓劇、陸劇、美劇等熱門劇集。 影音視頻播放清晰流暢, 操作界面簡單友好,真正為用戶 帶來最舒適順暢的線上觀看體驗 v每天更新海量高清1080P電影免費在線觀看,追劇零時差。內容豐富多元,涵蓋劇集、電影、綜藝、動漫、娛樂等優質影視節目,

    ReplyDelete

  69. 独播库, 独播库,线上看,免费在线观看,电影,电视剧,动漫,视频网站,高清视频,影視節目

    ReplyDelete
  70. 台劇線上看,韓劇線上看,電影線上看看, 美劇線上看,港劇線上看,Gimy電影,小鴨影音,momovod,HBO,愛奇藝 gimy

    ReplyDelete
  71. 楓林網(8maple.biz替代舊域名8maple.ru)每天更新海量高清1080P電影免費在線觀看,追劇零時差。內容豐富多元,涵蓋劇集、電影、綜藝、動漫、娛樂等優質影視節目,枫林网,觀眾可來最舒適順暢的線上觀看體驗

    ReplyDelete
  72. thanks to share . I appreciate your work.Nice info xender MOD apk

    ReplyDelete
  73. Just the website I was looking for. It's really awesome. I'll follow your footsteps
    and if you want to watch Malay dramas online free episods daily then visit the link below.

    Tonton Drama Online

    ReplyDelete
  74. Descargar Airconsole Hero APKEsta es la mejor colección del apk del juego. Puedo informarte.

    ReplyDelete
  75. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Wow! very beautiful, great, nice, and very good post. I like it very much. bombitup

    ReplyDelete
  77. SayNetWorth.com is an incredible website that offers a treasure trove of information about millionaires, celebrities, and businessmen. It provides fascinating details about their net worth, educational backgrounds, and more. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive database, SayNetWorth.com is a go-to platform for those seeking inspiration and insights into the lives of successful individuals. Whether you're looking to learn from their achievements or simply indulge in fascinating facts, this website has you covered. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the world of wealth and success.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IWSG - July 2018

The Beginnings Blogfest!