[ CW ] Begin your story with `` They should have sent a poet . ''

They should have sent a poet. Maybe one of the bards, or perhaps a stable boy. Someone worthless. Someone whose contribution would not be missed. Someone who would not be a loss to our people. 
 
 But no- they sent me. They claim I'm the strongest, the quickest, the most agile. They claim I'm the one who best stands a chance of ridding our land of this terror that stalks it. I stand no chance- and yet, I have no choice. 
 
 The giant looms before me, ready for the sacrifice required to keep the peace for another month. This has gone on since time began- an acknowledgement that the giant has the power. A tribute to his benevolence. A token gesture every thirty days, to keep him from destroying everything. 
 
 Does he know we send our bravest and best, maintaining the vain hope that one day he will be slayed? Does he sense much difference in us? Or are we but specks to him? Does he realise that when we fight, we're fighting not for survival or sport, but to try and end this uneasy truce once and for all? Does he revel in each victory, or does it mean nothing to him? 
 
 I stand before him, the height of his toe. I can fight- I must fight. But I know I am already dead. 
 
 They should have sent a poet.
