Parade Rest

They rode in, prideful over havoc wreaked, saddles creaking, stiff. Weren’t the only thing needed a good rubbing. They called for any who’d polish their posts for a coin.

If 'twere only immoral, some might have gone. But money’s not so dear we’d risk touching those men. We kept our hands behind our backs, careful, smart.

Most of us did.

Sarah’s youngest stepped out, offering. The Night slid down and took her on his shield where we could watch her writhe… and wither.  He put the coin on her forehead, payment for sin, and left her mam to clean up.