Approaching the marketplace I catch several sideways glances by men in shadows, their watchful eyes scanning my person for any sign of wealth. On this day, however, I knew they would not attempt to steal from me. The king had brought in more guards to our land, the marketplace included, due to the report of Philistine warriors sneaking into the city.

Sand kicks up from my footsteps, floating softly through the air with the aid of a gentle breeze, which strikes me like a feather-blade rapier. My eyes drift towards the fish stand, where an elderly looking man sits, swiping his hand annoyedly towards flies which try to gather at his catch-of-the-day.

"Excuse me, dear sir! I would like some of your fish, if at all possible..."

"Gonna cost ye', kid...can't be given' these away fer' free."

I pulled forth my money and counted it, making sure that the neccesary ammount was in my palm. Taking the money, I placed it before the man and smiled, pointing towards two of the fish on his stand. He took them down and placed them in my basket, nodding his head towards me as I began to continue down to the next shop, only to hear his words.

"By the way kid, shouldn't you be over at the ring right now? Last I heard, the war wasn't quite over..."

I lowered my head and sighed, my shoulders slumping in a dissapointed fashion as I glanced towards the old man, a look of disdain apparent on my face.

"My father will not allow me to participate in the war yet, he needs me at the farm. I don't mind, really...I love the work."

The man nodded his head and scratched at his chin, which in my eyes had to be an effort due to the moss-like strands of facial hair which covered it and blocked his fingers from their destination.

"Perhaps it's for the best...the Philistines are practically trampling our troops with their greatest weapon."

"Which is?"

"Fear. The giant Galen, who proclaims himself a God among men, stands tall before our army and none of our warriors dare stand against his might."

I could not help but blink my eyes in confusion...surely this man was speaking in jest. The entire army of Bethlehem, being made a mockery of by one man? I held my basket close and frowned, lowering my head to stare down at my purchase of fish. Flies were circling over the fish, landing and flying once more in a seemingly ceremonial dance to their supposed feast.

"You must be joking, yes?"

"'fraid not kid. We're talking a guy that stands over 9 feet tall, probably eats whole lions for breakfast and is fearless enough to lay down the challenge, that if one man from our land is able to end his life...the Philistines will become our servants."

"And where has the faith of our men gone to during these times of crisis?"

The old man cackled and gave me a wry smile, shaking his head as he let out a sigh and laid his elbow to rest atop his counter.

"Kid...fear can drench faith much like the rain can a fire. Who would honestly stand a chance against such a beast, anyway? It's just not possible for a man of Bethlehem to possibly topple him."

"With faith in the Lord, does it not say that all things are possible?"

"What can I say, kid? Ya' lose sight of the words of the Lord when you're looking up at death itself."

Taking my basket of fish and ignoring the rest of the merchandise I was to purchase, I quickly turned to make my way towards the ring. The old man was quick to notice the direction in which I was traveling, and was also quick to yell out in shock towards me.

"You can't be serious, you honestly think that a small man such as yourself stands a chance against such a giant as Galen?!"

I slowed my pace to a stop and sighed, turning slowly to the old man with a determined glare in my eye.

"Unlike the warriors of this land, I hold high my faith in our Lord, and believe that he will deliver me to safety in my battle with the giant. I have toppled bears and slain lions, a mere giant is not as large as the Lord, who shall guide my sling to the way of salvation for our lands. Now, you can stand there and shout at me, but you shall only slow me down. I thank you for the fish, old man, but I would also thank you to not try to change my decision."

"But kid--"

I was quick to interrupt him, no longer interested in that which he had to say.

"My name...is Dominic, and I am a man of God. I shall bring down this false God, this towering giant, and you shall know the truth that I speak."