Desolate

Red tin rooves echoed lonely harmonies as the wind picked up to carry them from such a desolate town. Totems stood guard along streets, but were darkened long ago. Houses lined many roads like soldiers, each with a yellow and scarlet uniform painted on his face. Doors were locked and barred from the inside. Thresholds were intricately decorated with glittering paints and carved runes, giving each building its individuality.1

Clouds and mist circled the valley town like gorecrows seeking a meal. Streets were hallow, empty paths serving no more than to carve mazes into the square walls for only those with wings to watch. Shaped clay, woven baskets, and even weapons lay propped in vendor stalls, along homes, and beside the spirit totems. 2

Each rivet and dip in the seemingly undulating rooves now shuddered with the wind's intensity. The wind let loose a cry of loneliness as a basket toppled from a crumbled wall, some youngster's seat on a long forgotten day.3

A heavy footstep. Deep in the heart of the town, shattered glass, broken pottery, upturned baskets, ripped canvases, splintered wood, and sundered weapons lay strewn about; signs of a lost battle. Thud. The rasp of metal on metal. Perhaps under the wind and echoes, a hiss.4

Blood was nowhere, not a stain by the battlescene, nor did the thirsty earth drink it in. Somewhere a shutter banged. A totem spirit lit with life, followed by the flickers of returning gaurdians. 5

Slowly, the sun peeked its brilliant arch over the surrounding mountains. The clouds and haze moved on, seeking what could not be found in such a still place. Spirits unseen watched with silver eyes to watch the lone monster melt into a pool of shadow, formed by the sun's awakening. 6

Tension filled the air and the spirits fled, leaving thier posts unfilled. Fifteen men were slain in a corner of town. Each set of bones was rearranged into off patterns in the dust, between the slashed baskets, snapped spears, and shattered life.7

An almost inaudible hiss escaped the monsters figure as it shifted uncomfortably. It moved with heavy stride into the web of bones. Thud, rasp. Thud,rasp. Thud, rasp. As the being was consumed by an instant burst of restless flame and dissappeared, the town grew silent. Completely desolate.