Duty

The clinking of spurs on the familiar dirt road was the only sound accompanying the whispering rustle of the wind. Oranges and reds splashed across the sky while ominous, dark clouds threatened rain a ways off. Cozy light streamed from the windows of the old red farmhouse that stood off to the side. Such a peaceful setting stood in stark contrast to the grim task that lay ahead.

Jarius clutched the warrant in his hand. No need to read it again - he knew the contents by heart at this point. He hadn’t meant to read it so many times but, well, he hoped the words would be different each time he restarted.

A distant figure stood in the path, obscured for now by distance and the fading light. Jarius didn’t need to see him clearly to know who it was though. He’d recognize his brother anywhere. By the slight slump of his shoulders, Jarius could tell his brother knew exactly why he was here too.

He stuffed the warrant for arrest in his vest pocket. Duty. It was his duty. But how could he?