Sentinel

         Arms crossed, proud and staunch, he watched.  Today was his day; tonight his night.  His people were safe beneath his vigilant care. 

         Images of his wife and newborn son danced through his mind.  Scanning the valley from his cliff-top post he determined not even a lowly field mouse would disturb their slumber.  Nor shall the wind pass by without my close inspection he promised protectively.

         On the breeze he caught the scent of a stranger.  Feverishly, he battled the renegade as the village slept.  Morning light welcomed the brave sentinel home, wounded but victorious, to his family's loving arms.

99 words