Verdantia: Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven:Bloodlust and Battle

She shuddered as scene after scene flashed across her vision; death, destruction, despair, famine, drought, war. A blood-red full moon hung low in a black sky like a fat mosquito too swollen with the blood of its victim. Sickly animals and humans-their ribs exposed as skin clung to their desiccated forms drag themselves across a desolate landscape full of shadows. She could see they had given up all hope for life; resignation flowed from their empty eyes, it was apparent in in the way they moved their limp limbs. The sound of menacing laughter filled the air, it surrounded her, taunted her and each being, human and animal alike turned to stare at her accusingly. Her legs, strong and capable froze as they advanced upon her. Her eyes widened, a frantic look filled the emerald orbs, her chest tight as she screamed but she couldn't hear herself over the jeering laughter that continued to mock her.

What can I do?

What can I do?

I am only one person.

-x-x-x-

The other knightes had come to a stop just outside the trees and dismounted quickly to join Haruka and Mago in the uneasy silence. The only noises that rode on the air came from their horses who whinnied softly, their hooves pawing the ground impatiently while waiting for their riders.

Verdantia: Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten: Above and Below: Part Three

So cold. It was the coldest Rei had ever felt in her life. Teeth chattered in her mouth as she lay shivering on the dusty floor of the humongous cavern, the ground almost cradling the side of her face. The voice she heard no longer spoke but its presence was unmistakable. She could feel the condensed hatred of its aura without even trying.

"Why?" The one word question emerged as a dry croak from her parched throat. There was no answer and she realized the thing that lingered there several yards in front of her inert form did not deem her worthy enough to respond. She was a meal, a source of energy to be used up until only a husk of herself remained before it moved on to something else. The thought made a small part of her inside burn with fury. But the anger inside of her was nothing compared to the despair she felt. The light was growing dim and it took her a moment to comprehend it was not the lights; her own vision was fading.

Oh Ashtarte, I survived that fall and that run across mushrooms only to become food for this, Rei thought. She willed her eyes to stay open but sheer force alone was not enough. Her body, already shaking with fatigue and coldness seized with the effort. This was it; her eyes were closing, she would cease to exist beyond this moment. It pained her to even breathe.