It was a beautiful sunset. He could see it as he approached the city. The bright blue rays streaked out from bright yellows and oranges. The city of Athens sat beneath it. He was out of breath and his chest ached. He knew his time was short. The camp was filled with men. They watched as he ran by. They stepped out of their tents and watched. All he could see was the beautiful sunset. It called to him and begged him to continue on. His legs ached, his hamstrings burned and his calves had cramped for so long it was sheer will propelling him forward. If he stopped he may never move again. The sunset silhouetted down to the lead tent. A large structure with many guards. They braced as they watched the man approach until they saw his colors. They removed their spears and out walked their leader. The man finally stopped. The adrenaline was fading his back now ached, his legs trembled and he could see his feet were just blood. His eyes followed the sunlight from the most beautiful sunset he had ever seen. They reached down in long tendrils, and shined off the golden leaf crown on top of the man’s head in front of him. He smiled, “We have won.” He collapsed as he said the singular line. His eyes looked up at the beautiful sunset. No life behind them. Their emperor smiled a smile of happiness and grief. The war was over and he only knew because of the man from Marathon.
Housed and Fed 