He preaches freedom, defies faith.

Laughs at corruption, Lives to hate.

"How dare you!" He bellows,  vying for a spot amongst the trepidation.

His cry falls on deaf ears.

Glassy eyes gaze, not at Him, but at the words emblazoned over the gates,

In unison, a haunting chant arises from the crowd,

"Fear before Freedom."

He would not stand to hear this corrupted loyalty.

He could not; this was the final battle,

before His time was up.  At the thought,

The smallest of smiles appeared on His face.

Now He must win.

He took one last breath,

"To the Villagers who blindly obey, I beg you listen,

For when you Leave, it will not be in vain.

I forgive you, but the path is yours to lay.

To the Masters who steal, declare their reign,

Down with the hammer, hold tight the chain.    

There is no forgiveness, I wish you ill and pain.

Remember this, if nothing else: Wherever there is Fear, Hope is silently watching."

He bowed His head slightly, and the platform disappeared beneath His feet.

A sickening crack echoed across the square; He had Left.

"May the devil have mercy on his soul." A Master said emotionless.

Just before the words could be repeated by the woeful audience,

a little girl stepped out and held a finger to Her lips,

"Shhh,"  

She said, eyes lit up by a small smile,  

"Hope is watching."